adminagents who squeeze clubs for higher fees represent a “danger for the future” of the game.
Speaking to reporters in Hong Kong, the three-time World Cup winner bemoaned the number of players pocketing big salaries only to “disappear” after a short career.
“Players should never forget to play for the love of the game and team . . . players love whoever pays a little bit more, that’s the danger for football,” he said, mock-kissing a badge on his blazer to illustrate his point.
“Sometimes I tease them (players) and say ‘you get in one year what I would have to play 10 years to get’.”
Decrying the role of agents in the modern game, the 70-year-old said: “They do not care if the player is good or not. They want to sell the player and get the money. That’s the danger for the future of football.”
Pele, considered by many to be the greatest footballer ever, also raised concerns over the potential impact of goal-line technology currently under discussion at Fifa.
“We need a little bit more time, football is not Formula One or tennis.
“It is about quick movement . . . you cannot stop a counter-attack to see if it was a goal,” he said, stating his preference for an extra referee behind each goal to resolve disputes over penalties and balls crossing the line. – AFP.
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- July 30, 2026
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