Brazilian football legend Pele urged everyone not to compare football with the ongoing FIFA corruption scandal.
The superstar commonly referred to as ‘Black Pearl’ has termed the ongoing FIFA scandal a “shame” but insisted it was the fault of the individuals related with football and not the sport itself.
On his visit to the capital on Thursday, the legend said: “We saw what happened in FIFA, but we cannot mix it [corruption scandal] with football. It is not about football but due to some people involved in FIFA.”
The ongoing corruption scandal in football’s governing body saw FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini suspended for 90 days. However, both are reported to be challenging the decision by FIFA’s Ethics Board.
The ‘King of Football’ had denied he was interested in running for FIFA’s presidency during the first part of his India journey in Kolkata where he attended the Indian Super league (ISl) fixture between Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters.
Pele, who refused to name his ideal candidate to replace Blatter in the February 26 elections, however had some kind words for the global organisation.
“It is easy to criticise and single out when things go bad. But how long FIFA has created opportunities for the Africans, South Americans and Europeans, this was FIFA who did it. People cannot forget about that. Football is the biggest sport in the world. Unfortunately the human being made the mistake,” he added.
“Unfortunately I cannot tell you,” he replied when asked about whom he wants to be the next FIFA president, but added, “I want nice people. I want somebody who respects football and it’s people,” said Pele who is in the capital on a two-day visit as a chief guest for the U-17 Subroto Cup final between a Manipuri school and AIFF FC.
When asked if fellow Brazilian Zico, who was referred to as the ‘White Pele’, could be good a candidate for FIFA presidency, Pele replied: “He wants to stand for FIFA presidency. I told him you are very strong and have the courage but I don’t have that courage. He is one of the players who has done a lot for football — in Japan and in other countries.”
In 1977, the three time World Cup winner played an exhibition match against Mohun Bagan at Kolkata with his New York Cosmos team. When asked whether the standard of Indian football players improved compared to what he saw then, the Brazil surprisingly replied: “Of course, it (football) has improved a lot.”
The football legend, who was voted Athlete of the Century by International Olympic Committee, insisted that more and more Brazilians should play here. “I think more and more Brazilians should play in India. That will benefit India,” he added.
Among the marquee players, former Brazilian international Elano was the golden boot winner in the first ISl season while representing Chennayin FC. Former Real Madrid full-back Roberto Carlos is currently the player-cum-coach for Delhi Dynamos and Zico is coach of Goa.
He also had some valuable advice for the up and rising footballers. “Do not think football as an individual sport. It is a team event. Even superstar footballers need the help of their teammates. Also never think you are the best, always there is room for improvement,” he said.
When talking about his beloved country’s 7-1 humiliation in the 2014 World Cup semifinals against the eventual champions Germany, the Brazilian great was confident that these kind of setbacks will not stop Brazil from succeeding once again.
Pele compared the surprise loss to the 1950 World Cup final, when hosts Brazil lost 1-2 at the Maracana to Uruguay. Despite the huge setback in their own backyard the Samba Boys responded brilliantly by going on to win five World Cups after it.