Infantino also causes discussion at wake for Pelé

On social media, a rain of criticism rained down on the Fifa president for selfies and interviews held alongside O Rei’s coffin.

With just over two weeks to go before the end of the World Cup, Gianni Infantino is still causing controversy. The Fifa president has been harshly criticized by many users on social for his attitude during the wake for Pelé at the Vila Belmiro Stadium in Santos.

Infantino was immortalized taking a few selfies at the side of O Rei’s open coffin, a gesture considered in bad taste. His interviews, held before and after his tribute to Brazil’s star player, were also criticized.

On Instagram, the Fifa number one later clarified the selfie incident: “I felt honored when teammates and family members of the great Pelé asked me if I could take some pictures with them. And of course I immediately agreed. In the case of the selfie, Pelé’s teammates asked to take a selfie all together, but they didn’t know how to do it. So, to be helpful, I took the phone of one of them and took the picture for him.”