FIFA Presidency Election Challenge
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter launched a verbal attack on his successor Gianni Infantino, calling the current chief a dictator in an interview with Der Spiegel. Blatter made the comments as the global governing body prepares for upcoming presidential elections.
Infantino operates with absolute power and alienates staff at the Zurich headquarters, according to Blatter. The 90-year-old administrator claimed that internal sources report no one holds the right to ride in the elevator with the current president.
“He is a dictator,” Sepp 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.”
UEFA Presidential Challenger Plans
UEFA is actively preparing to back an opposing candidate to challenge Infantino’s reign directly, Blatter revealed. European football leadership previously withdrew support for the current president, setting the stage for a contested election.
“UEFA has a plan, in the coming weeks they will announce an opposing candidate,” Blatter said to Der Spiegel. Despite this regional resistance, Infantino remains the heavy favorite to secure re-election through widespread backing across Africa, Asia, and South America.
UEFA seeks a challenger before next Wednesday's deadline
Time is running out for UEFA to finalize their challenger before the deadline for candidacies closes next Wednesday. Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly among the contenders holding UEFA’s backing, with a decision expected this week.
Blatter has thrown his personal support behind World Athletics president Sebastian Coe for the role. “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.”
Questions about the FIFA presidency candidacy
When does the candidacy deadline close for the FIFA presidency?
The deadline for candidacies closes next Wednesday, leaving UEFA limited time to finalize their opposing candidate.
Which confederations currently support Gianni Infantino?
Infantino enjoys widespread backing from confederations across Africa, Asia, and South America, making him the heavy favorite for re-election.
Who did Sepp Blatter endorse for the FIFA presidency?
Blatter expressed support for World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, citing his past role leading the FIFA Ethics Committee and his English background.
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