Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has launched a fresh attack on his successor, Gianni Infantino, describing the current football governing body’s leader as a “dictator” and suggesting that he needs psychiatric help over his approach to leadership.
Blatter made the remarks in an interview with German magazine Der Spiegel, published on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in which he criticised several decisions taken by Infantino and questioned the direction of the world football governing body.
The 90-year-old former FIFA chief accused Infantino of exercising excessive control within the organisation and claimed that people working at FIFA considered the president untouchable.
His comments have added another dimension to the growing debate surrounding Infantino’s leadership as he prepares for a possible re-election campaign in 2027.
Blatter also criticised FIFA’s decision to introduce a Peace Prize and award it to United States President Donald Trump, as well as a proposed commercial rights arrangement involving future editions of the FIFA World Cup that was subsequently abandoned following criticism.
Blatter Accuses Infantino of Exercising Excessive Control
In the interview, Blatter questioned the level of authority Infantino exercises within FIFA, alleging that the current president operates without sufficient internal accountability.
He described Infantino as a dictator and claimed that people within the organisation had told him that others were not permitted to share an elevator with the FIFA president.
Blatter used the allegation to portray what he considers an increasingly centralised leadership structure under his successor.
He also suggested that Infantino had changed following his relationship with Trump and his involvement in political engagements surrounding the United States.
Blatter’s comments represent a serious personal and institutional criticism, although the allegations about Infantino’s conduct have not been independently established.
FIFA rejected the elevator allegation when asked by the media.
According to a response reported by AFP, the organisation said Infantino performs his presidential duties through his travels and confirmed that he uses FIFA’s elevators, including when other people are present.
The response directly challenged one of the examples Blatter used to support his criticism.
FIFA Peace Prize for Donald Trump Draws Criticism
Another major issue raised by Blatter was FIFA’s decision to establish a Peace Prize and present it to Trump.
The award attracted attention because of the political significance of the recipient and the timing of its presentation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Blatter described the decision as embarrassing and questioned the reasoning behind FIFA’s choice.
He also criticised the apparent contradiction between presenting a peace award to Trump and subsequent developments involving the United States and Iran.
His remarks reflected broader questions about the relationship between football administration and international politics.
FIFA has traditionally presented itself as the governing authority of international football, with responsibilities centred on organising competitions, developing the sport and maintaining its regulations.
However, the organisation’s leadership decisions and relationships with political figures can attract scrutiny because football commands a global audience and carries considerable commercial and diplomatic influence.
The Peace Prize controversy has therefore raised questions about the criteria used to establish such awards, the process for selecting recipients and the extent to which FIFA should become involved in politically sensitive issues.
Blatter’s criticism is an expression of his position on the matter and should not be treated as an official finding against FIFA or its current president.
Former FIFA Chief Criticises Abandoned World Cup Commercial Plan
Blatter also attacked Infantino’s plans to introduce private investment into aspects of the commercial rights associated with future World Cups.
The proposal, which attracted strong criticism, was subsequently abandoned.
The controversy centred on concerns about how future World Cup commercial interests could be structured and the potential implications for FIFA’s financial arrangements.
The World Cup is FIFA’s most commercially significant competition, generating revenue through broadcasting agreements, sponsorships, licensing and other commercial activities.
Any proposal involving the future commercial rights of the tournament therefore carries implications for the organisation’s finances and its relationships with football associations, sponsors and other stakeholders.
Blatter argued that Infantino had gone beyond acceptable limits in pursuing the proposal.
His criticism comes amid wider discussions about FIFA’s commercial strategy and the extent to which its leadership should be able to make major decisions affecting the organisation’s most valuable competition.
The abandonment of the proposal demonstrated that controversial commercial plans can face resistance, although the precise reasons and internal decision-making process should be distinguished from Blatter’s interpretation of events.
Blatter Questions Infantino’s Re-Election Prospects
The former FIFA president also raised concerns about Infantino’s prospects of securing another term.
He alleged that the current president could obtain support from national football associations by promising increased financial benefits if they backed his re-election.
Blatter’s allegation suggests that financial relationships between FIFA and its member associations could become an important issue in the next presidential contest.
However, he did not establish evidence in the interview proving that Infantino had improperly exchanged financial support for votes.
FIFA’s presidential election is expected in March 2027, with the political process already attracting attention from potential challengers.
Swiss broadcaster SRF reported that candidates seeking to challenge Infantino were required to register by November 18, 2026.
Blatter also expressed support for Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, as a possible successor.
Coe previously chaired FIFA’s Ethics Committee and has held senior positions in international sports administration.
Blatter described him as a strong personality and suggested that an English candidate could bring a different approach to the organisation.
There has been no confirmed indication in the cited reports that Coe intends to contest the FIFA presidency.
Japanese football administrator Kozo Tashima has also indicated plans to challenge Infantino, according to reports on the developing election contest.
The emergence of potential challengers could make the 2027 election an important moment for discussions about FIFA’s leadership, governance and accountability.
Blatter’s Own Controversial History at FIFA
Blatter’s criticism carries additional significance because he led FIFA for 17 years, from 1998 until his resignation in 2015.
His departure came amid a major corruption crisis that damaged the organisation’s reputation and triggered investigations into football administration and financial dealings.
Blatter faced criminal proceedings in Switzerland alongside former UEFA president Michel Platini over a controversial payment. Both men were acquitted in the criminal case after years of legal proceedings.
Blatter was also subjected to FIFA ethics proceedings and a ban from football-related activities.
His period in office remains closely associated with the governance controversies that led to significant scrutiny of FIFA and its leadership structures.
Infantino succeeded Blatter in 2016 after winning the FIFA presidential election.
Consequently, the latest exchange between the two men reflects not only a disagreement between former and current leaders but also the continuing debate over the organisation’s governance following the crisis that forced Blatter from office.
Blatter’s own record does not automatically invalidate his criticism, just as his allegations do not establish wrongdoing by Infantino. Both the claims and the institutional responses require evidence-based assessment.
FIFA’s Response and the Question of Institutional Accountability
FIFA’s response to the elevator allegation provides an important counterpoint to Blatter’s account.
The organisation rejected the suggestion that Infantino operates in the manner described by his predecessor, stating that the president uses the elevator when other people are present.
AFP also reported that FIFA maintained that the suspension imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun following a red card at the 2026 World Cup had been lifted by independent FIFA judicial bodies.
Blatter had criticised that decision as well, arguing that football rules should apply equally to all players.
The disagreement over the Balogun case raises a broader governance question about the independence of disciplinary decisions and the relationship between football authorities and political figures.
Blatter’s criticism alone does not establish that the decision was improperly influenced. FIFA’s explanation, meanwhile, represents the organisation’s stated position on the matter.
For a global governing body, transparency in disciplinary procedures and consistency in applying football regulations are essential to maintaining confidence among players, national associations, clubs and supporters.
Why the Dispute Matters to World Football
The public disagreement between two former and current FIFA presidents comes at a time when the organisation is preparing for another leadership election and managing major commercial and sporting responsibilities.
FIFA oversees international competitions involving national teams and clubs, regulates important aspects of the global game and distributes financial resources to member associations.
Its leadership decisions can therefore affect football development, competition administration and the financial position of national football bodies across different regions.
For African football associations, FIFA’s governance and funding arrangements are particularly important because international development programmes can support infrastructure, grassroots football, administration and talent development.
The credibility of the organisation also matters to supporters who expect football regulations to be applied consistently, regardless of a player’s nationality or political connections.
The latest controversy is therefore bigger than a personal disagreement between Blatter and Infantino. It touches on questions of leadership accountability, institutional independence, commercial transparency and the relationship between sport and politics.
However, the claims made by Blatter should be evaluated separately from documented decisions and official responses.
What Happens Next?
Attention is likely to remain on the FIFA presidential election process as the March 2027 contest approaches.
Potential challengers will need to meet the applicable nomination and eligibility requirements before their candidacies can proceed.
Infantino’s leadership, financial policies and relationship with national football associations are also likely to feature in discussions surrounding the election.
For now, Blatter’s comments have intensified scrutiny of his successor, but they do not amount to a formal investigation or an official finding of misconduct.
The coming months will provide a clearer indication of whether a credible challenge to Infantino emerges and whether the criticism translates into a wider debate among FIFA’s member associations.
The central issue for world football will be whether FIFA can maintain confidence in its leadership, demonstrate transparent decision-making and ensure that its rules and institutions operate independently of individual interests.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
Sources
- Der Spiegel
- Agence France-Presse (AFP)
- Swiss Radio and Television (SRF)
- The Straits Times
