Gianni Infantino, who has a close relationship with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, has ‘disappeared’ according to Blatter. Photo: Getty Images
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has unleashed a blistering critique of his successor Gianni Infantino, accusing him of politicising football, sidelining players and transforming the governing body into a tool for world leaders.
Gianni Infantino’s relationship with Donald Trump has been questioned by the Fifa president’s predecessor and other critics. Photo: Getty Images/Andrew Caballero-Reynolds
Speaking from Zurich ahead of Friday’s World Cup draw in Washington, the 89-year-old, who ran FIFA from 1998 until his 2015 resignation amid a sweeping corruption scandal, referred to Infantino only as «my successor» and «the leader», pointedly refusing to use his name. Cleared of criminal charges earlier this year, Blatter said his «conscience is tranquil» as he returned to commenting on the state of global football.
Infantino (second left) edged his way into Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous selfie at the White House last month. Photo: DavidSacks via X via Reuters
In a wide-ranging interview, Blatter claimed Infantino is «more interested in wooing world leaders than what is right for football», criticising his close ties with US president Donald Trump and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. He condemned FIFA’s newly created «peace prize», expected to be awarded to Trump on Friday, as «wrong» and «outrageous», insisting football should not invent its own peace awards.
Blatter’s reign as FIFA president was marked by scandal – the Swiss was cleared of criminal charges this year. Photo: Getty Images/Fabrice Coffrini
Blatter also attacked Infantino’s expansion of the World Cup and creation of new competitions such as the Club World Cup, arguing that players are being ignored and overworked. He dismissed FIFA’s recent decision to reduce Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension, allowing him to play at the tournament, as a breach of disciplinary principles.
Saudi Arabia, he warned, has become the «directors of football» through its growing financial influence over FIFA projects.
Despite his criticisms, Blatter even hinted at a potential return to FiIFA when his suspension ends in 2027, saying the prospect is «possible» — though he would be 91.
While he will not attend the draw in Washington, Blatter said he will follow it closely on television:
«I cannot miss what I have created.»
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports Uzbekistan is enjoying a breakthrough moment in world chess, with two of its brightest young talents capturing global attention in the same week.
