SANTOS, Brazil — FIFA will ask all of the world’s international locations to call a stadium for Brazilian soccer legend Pele, the top of the game’s governing physique, Gianni Infantino, stated Monday on the late icon’s wake.
Infantino was within the metropolis of Santos, Brazil, to pay his remaining respects to the participant broadly thought-about the best of all time, who died Thursday on the age of 82.
“We’re going to ask every country in the world to name one of their football stadiums with the name of Pele,” Infantino instructed journalists on the Vila Belmiro, the stadium the place the participant often called “The King” first exploded onto the world stage together with his exploits for his longtime membership, Santos FC.
Attending the 24-hour wake together with the heads of the South American and Brazilian soccer confederations, Infantino was among the many first to pay homage earlier than Pele’s open casket, which was displayed in the midst of the sector at Vila Belmiro stadium.
“We’re here with great sadness,” Infantino stated. “Pele is eternal. He’s a global icon of football.”
Pelé, the one man to win the #FIFAWorldCup 3 times.
A legend of our recreation.
Rest in peace, the Eternal King. pic.twitter.com/1MS3DPxPDF
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) December 29, 2022
FIFA had already flown the flags of the world at half-mast Friday exterior its headquarters in Zurich in honor of Pele, whom the group has named as the best participant of the twentieth century.
Flags on the Home of FIFA in Zurich are flying at half-mast at this time, as we bear in mind the everlasting king: Pelé. pic.twitter.com/2elG8s576e
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) December 30, 2022
Pele, the one participant in historical past to win three World Cups, died at a Sao Paulo hospital after an extended battle with most cancers.
Monday’s wake can be adopted by a funeral procession via the streets of Santos Tuesday, then a non-public interment ceremony. — Agence France-Presse
