FIFA President Criticized for Taking 'Kimchi~' Selfie at Pele's Funeral

"Narcissist Fool" and Other Criticisms and Mockery Continue
"Pele's Teammates Didn't Know Selfie, Helped Them" Rebuttal

Gianni Infantino, president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), sparked controversy by taking a 'selfie' at the funeral of the 'King of Football,' Pel?. As the controversy grew, Infantino explained, "Pel?'s teammates asked to take photos, and I agreed." He further denied the accusations head-on, stating, "I absolutely did not act disrespectfully."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is taking a selfie with Pele's former teammates at Pele's funeral on the 2nd (local time).

Earlier, on the 30th of last month (local time), Pel? passed away after battling colon cancer. The funeral for Pel?, who died at the age of 82, was held on the 2nd at Vila Belmiro Stadium in Santos, S?o Paulo, Brazil. This stadium, home to Santos FC, was where Pel? spent his prime years.

Infantino, the head of the global football community, also attended the funeral to bid farewell to Pel?. However, a photo captured Infantino smiling and taking pictures with his smartphone at the event. He took photos with Pel?'s former Brazilian national team colleagues. The controversy intensified because the place where he took the photos was right beside Pel?'s coffin.

Pele's body was laid to rest on the 2nd (local time) at Vila Belmiro Stadium in Santos, Brazil.

On Twitter, criticism and ridicule poured in towards Infantino, with comments such as "disrespectful behavior" and "narcissistic fool." Some netizens referenced Infantino's statement to FIFA member countries worldwide that he planned to request renaming at least one stadium after Pel?. They pointed out the contradiction of making such a somewhat excessive 'proposal' to honor Pel?, yet taking selfies at the funeral.

In response to these criticisms, Infantino posted the controversial photos on his Instagram on the 3rd along with a statement. In the post, he said, "Pel?'s teammates and family asked if they could take a few photos, and I agreed." He added, "If helping Pel?'s teammates is something to be criticized for, I am willing to accept that and will continue to support those who contribute to writing legendary pages of football wherever they are."

Infantino explained, "Pel?'s teammates didn't know how to take selfies, so I held the phone and took the pictures." He continued, "I hope those who wrote or spoke without knowing the facts or checking information will acknowledge their mistakes and have the dignity and courage to correct their words."

Meanwhile, Pel?, known as the 'King of Football,' was laid to rest on the 3rd at the nearby Necropol Ecumenica Cemetery after a 24-hour memorial held at Vila Belmiro Stadium.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.