Thierry Henry has urged footballers to recognise and use their collective influence as Fifa faces mounting scrutiny over multiple scandals, including reports that president Gianni Infantino sought to sell off the 2026 World Cup's commercial rights. Speaking to the Guardian alongside CBS Sports colleagues Kate Scott and Jamie Carragher ahead of the new Champions League broadcast season, Henry argued that players "have all the power if they want to" but often fail to realise or exercise it, pointing to examples from US sports such as the NBA and NFL where player action has forced leagues to respond.

Fifa has come under sustained criticism in the past month, with Uefa reportedly exploring legal options against Infantino. Scott drew parallels with the failed 2021 European Super League project, suggesting much of world football now wants a change in the Fifa presidency but is unsure how to achieve it, given Infantino's skill as a "power broker" who has secured re-election twice since 2016 without a challenger. The next presidential vote is due on 18 March 2027, and no rival candidate has yet come forward.