FIFA President Gianni Infantino posed for selfies just yards away from Brazilian legend Pele’s open casket while paying respects following his death earlier this week.
A 24-hour wake was held for the footballer, who passed away aged 83 after a battle with colon cancer, as thousands gathered to see the open casket.
Infantino was spotted smiling for a selfie with Pele’s friends and family next to the casket which is currently on a temporary structure on the pitch of his old club, Santos.
THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB FIFA president Gianni Infantino with family and friends of Pele
DIEGO VARA
Among the heads of South American and Brazilian football confederations, Infantino was one of the first to honour Pele.
The FIFA supremo could be seen posing with others for pictures along with Pele’s sister who is thought to have been in the photos next to the open casket.
The Mirror Football reported that all the pictures were requested by Pele’s family or friends who attended the funeral.
Following Pele’s death, Infantino called on 211 national football associations to honour the legend by renaming a football stadium after him.
However, the idea has been ridiculed by fans online, who have pointed out the many impracticalities of Infantino's idea.
Pele will be laid to rest following a parade today after his coffin was left to lie in state at the Estadio Urbano Caldeira.
Infantino paid his own tribute to Pele after his death was confirmed on December 29.
THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB Infantino received backlash for taking selfies near the casket
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He said: "For everyone who loves the beautiful game, this is the day we never wanted to come. The day we lost Pele. 'O Rei' [the king] was unique in so many ways."
He went on to add: "Pele had a magnetic presence and, when you were with him, the rest of the world stopped. His life is about more than football. He changed perceptions for the better in Brazil, in South America and across the world.
"His legacy is impossible to summarise in words. To his family and friends, to CBF, to Brazil and to all football fans who loved him so much, I express my sincere condolences... he achieved immortality a long time ago and therefore he will be with us for eternity."
