Swiss FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his discontent over the criticism he received for what was described as a lack of "respect" after taking a selfie at Pelé's funeral on Monday. Infantino wrote on Instagram: "I am shocked to hear that some are apparently criticizing me for taking a selfie and photos during the ceremony," adding, "I have a lot of respect and admiration for Pelé and the ceremony, and I would never dare to do anything that could be disrespectful."
Alongside the FIFA President, who was holding the phone to take the picture, stood three individuals under the large white tent hosting Pelé's coffin, including Manuel Maria, one of Pelé's close friends. Infantino continued: "I was honored and moved that my colleagues and members of Pelé's family asked me to take a picture with them." He clarified: "Pelé's team asked me to take a selfie for all of us, but they didn't know how. To be helpful, I took one of their phones and took a picture of us all."
