Pele walks into storm over histop 100 choices

PELE may be the world’s favourite footballer but he walked into a storm of controversy yesterday over his choice of the greatest living players.

The Brazilian legend had been given the task by FIFA of picking 100 for a book of photographs as part of their centenary celebrations, but only managed to whittle the number down to 125, of whom 50 are current players.

But it is the omissions which have proved controversial, notably Jairzinho and Gerson from the 1970 World Cup-winning Brazil side and Geoff Hurst, the only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.

Jairzinho is the only player to have scored in every single round of a World Cup, while Gerson appeared on Brazilian television yesterday and tore up the list in outrage at the slur.

At the launch of the 'FIFA 100' list in London Pele was bombarded with questions over his choice.

Pele defended himself, saying: "It was very difficult choosing sometimes you have pain in your heart when you have to leave somebody out. Everyone has their own favourite 100 players and I just tried to make as few mistakes as possible.

"They asked me to pick 50 current players and 50 retired players from a shortlist of 300, but I could not manage that so I have picked 50 current and 75 former players."

One Republic of Ireland player made the selection Cork's Roy Keane but George Best from Northern Ireland is also in.

There are seven English players on the list Gordon Banks, David Beckham, Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan, Gary Lineker, Michael Owen and Alan Shearer just one Scot (Kenny Dalglish).

No Welsh players were picked.

Arsenal have three current players in the list French trio Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires while Manchester United have two in Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Henry was given his award at the launch at the Royal Academy all the nominees receive a golden figure and the Arsenal striker spoke of his pride.

He said: "It is fantastic to be on the list when you see all the great players from the past or playing now. To be sitting next to Pele, probably the greatest of them all it is a dream."

The players have agreed to pictures for a FIFA book which will go on sale in June.

Only seven players will not be pictured. Dutch striker Marco van Basten and former Germany international Uwe Seeler refused to take part, while five could not be contacted: Diego Maradona, Daniel Passarella, Gerd Muller, Ferenc Puskas and Rivelino.