BERLIN.- The ancient patron of the FIFA, Sepp Blatterattacked his successor and current president, Gianni Infantinowhom he called a “dictator” and assured that he needs psychological help, in an interview published on Wednesday by the German magazine Der Spiegel.
Blatter, 90, criticized Infantino’s decision to create the FIFA Peace Prize for the American president, donald trumpin the anteroom of the World Cup 2026organized by United States, Canada and Mexico.
The former Swiss leader was also critical of his successor’s plans to sell a portion of the company’s commercial rights. World Cupan initiative that was discarded after the criticism received.
“FIFA is suffering. It is currently run by a person who has allowed himself to be blinded,” Blatter said.
Regarding the controversial Peace Prize, Blatter said that “it was embarrassing” and said he did not understand the decision.
“Does Infantino award a Peace Prize to someone who shortly after launches a war against Iran? “That’s crazy,” he criticized.
Blatter also accused Infantino of using money from football’s governing body to secure the support of national football federations for his own re-election.
“He is a dictator. People at FIFA tell me that no one can ride in the elevator with him. He is ‘untouchable.'”
On Infantino’s plan to sell the commercial rights to the World, Blatter said: “Infantino no longer knows any limits. He doesn’t understand any of this. Maybe one day Infantino should be sent to a psychiatric hospital.”
Rules for “everyone”
Blatter resigned from the FIFA leadership in 2015 amid allegations of corruption, including that he tried to buy votes for his presidency, which he had held since 1998.
He was finally acquitted in two trials, although he ended up disqualified by the FIFA ethics committee. However, he said he had “no regrets” about his time at the head of the institution.
The Swiss also criticized the football authority’s decision not to sanction the American striker. Folarin Balogundespite having been expelled during the World Cup and allowed to play in the decisive round of 16 match after Trump called Infantino.
“That’s the worst thing. The statutes can be interpreted, but the rules of the game must apply to everyone. They cannot be interpreted.”
In office since 2016, Infantino aspires to re-election in the elections that should be held in March. Applicants have until November 18 to present their candidacies.
The Japanese Kozo Tashimahonorary president of the Japan Football Federation (JFA), announced his intention to run against the leader.
“It is not important who runs. The important thing is that the incumbent president is not elected again,” said Blatter, for whom the ideal candidate would be the current president of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe.
“He was president of the FIFA Ethics Committee. He is a strong personality. A president from the cradle of football, Englandthat would be a good thing,” Blatter concluded.
