Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has publicly labeled his successor, Gianni Infantino, a “dictator” amid reports of mounting internal friction within football’s global governing body.
The 90-year-old former administrator delivered the assessment in a recent interview with the German magazine Der Spiegel.
Blatter described an environment of isolation at FIFA’s Zurich headquarters, claiming that staff members feel restricted in their interactions with the current president.
“He is a dictator,” Blatter told Der Spiegel. “People from FIFA tell me that no one has the right to go up in the elevator with him. He is ‘untouchable.’ Infantino no longer knows limits, he understands nothing of this. Perhaps he should be sent to a psychiatrist.”
The criticism arrives as FIFA prepares for upcoming presidential elections. Blatter disclosed that European football’s governing body, UEFA, is actively working to identify and support an opposing candidate to challenge Infantino’s leadership. “UEFA has a plan, in the coming weeks they will announce an opposing candidate,” Blatter said.
This maneuver follows UEFA's decision to withdraw its support for the incumbent. Despite this emerging European resistance, Infantino continues to maintain significant backing from football confederations across Africa, Asia, and South America, positioning him as the favorite to secure re-election.
With the deadline for submitting candidacies set for next Wednesday, several high-profile figures have been linked to a potential bid. Reports indicate that former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is among those currently holding UEFA’s backing, with the Frenchman expected to reach a decision on his candidacy this week.
Blatter has publicly voiced his preference for a different contender, suggesting World Athletics president Sebastian Coe as a viable alternative. “Coe was also president of the FIFA Ethics Committee and has a strong personality,” Blatter told Der Spiegel. “It would be good to have a president from the cradle of football, England.”
While UEFA maneuvers to present a challenger, the official list of candidates remains unconfirmed as the Wednesday deadline approaches. It is not yet known whether Wenger or Coe will formally enter the race, nor is it clear how much influence UEFA’s opposition will hold against the support Infantino currently commands in other confederations.
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