Thierry Henry, the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward, has encouraged players to leverage their voice amidst ongoing scrutiny of FIFA and a developing 'political battle' for the control of international football. Speaking with The Guardian on Tuesday, Henry stated, "For me, the players have more power than they think they have. And if they want it to change, they can make it happen – especially nowadays."
FIFA continues to face pressure from some confederations and fans, particularly following multiple scandals surrounding the 2026 World Cup. Reports regarding Gianni Infantino's alleged efforts to sell the World Cup's commercial rights have further intensified criticism, with UEFA reportedly exploring legal options against the FIFA president.
Kate Scott, a CBS panel anchor alongside Henry and Jamie Carragher, noted that a significant portion of world football may desire a change in the FIFA presidency. Infantino has been re-elected twice without opposition since 2016. The next presidential vote is set for 18 March 2027, though no alternative candidates have yet declared their intention to run.
Henry reiterated his belief in players' influence, drawing parallels to sports leagues in the US. He suggested that players are often expected to merely "entertain, take your money, leave," but possess the collective ability to drive change if they choose to use it.