Sepp Blatter, the former FIFA president, has recently expressed strong criticisms of his successor, Gianni Infantino, in light of upcoming events in international football. Blatter, who held the FIFA presidency from 1998 to 2015 before resigning amid a corruption scandal, referenced Infantino as “my successor” during a recent interview.
Blatter’s Concerns Over Infantino’s Leadership
Blatter’s comments come shortly before the World Cup draw, highlighting his disapproval of Infantino’s prioritization of political relationships over the sport itself. He argues that Infantino seems more inclined to gain favor with world leaders than to address football’s genuine needs.
Key Criticisms from Blatter
- Infantino’s upcoming “peace prize” award to U.S. President Donald Trump is described by Blatter as “outrageous.”
- He believes Saudi Arabia is being wrongly positioned as major players in football governance.
- Blatter condemned the suspension of Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban to ensure his availability for the World Cup as a misguided decision.
- Infantino’s creation of additional competitions, such as the Club World Cup, was seen as disregarding the interests of players.
Blatter has also mentioned that he might consider a return to FIFA, despite his advanced age of 89. His retrospective views on Infantino’s leadership suggest a stark change in direction for FIFA, implying that Infantino is somewhat out of touch with the sport’s needs.
World Cup Expansion and Future Hosting Plans
Under Infantino’s leadership, the World Cup will see significant changes. Next summer, the tournament will expand to include 48 teams and a total of 104 matches across North America. The 2030 edition will involve six countries from two continents, raising logistical and operational complexities.
Blatter’s criticisms reflect ongoing tensions and a contrasting vision for the development of football. As expanding competitions continue to be introduced, questions about governance and priorities in football remain at the forefront.
