Norway will not support Gianni Infantino in the upcoming FIFA presidential election, according to NFF President Lise Klaveness, following what the Norwegian Football Federation describes as irreversible violations within the global governing body.
Norway Opposes Gianni Infantino FIFA Re-Election Bid
The Norwegian Football Federation formally broke ranks during a Friday press conference, stating plainly that leadership changes are overdue at the top of world football. According to NFF President Lise Klaveness, the organization holds no confidence in Gianni Infantino as FIFA president. “Irreversible violations have occurred,” Klaveness said, adding that the current climate demands extraordinary measures to secure lasting institutional reform.
The immediate catalyst centers on Infantino’s controversial push to sell commercial stakes in the men’s World Cup tournament.
Sepp Blatter Nominates Lise Klaveness for FIFA Presidency
Amid the leadership vacuum, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter publicly endorsed Lise Klaveness as a viable successor to the incumbent administration. Blatter stated his desire to see the Norwegian federation head take over the presidency. When asked about the external nomination during Friday’s briefing, Klaveness dismissed immediate speculation while addressing the proposal directly.
“I register that my name is being mentioned, but it is not a topic at all. We are not ready for that,” Klaveness stated. “It has to be about the substantive issue and not about the person. That is how we work. We are not there yet.” Klaveness also offered a pointed historical contrast regarding her predecessor, noting that Blatter once suggested female players wear shorter shorts during her playing career—a remark she openly challenged at the time.
UEFA Boycott Threats Mount Against FIFA Leadership
Infantino has held the presidency since 2016, with his current term scheduled to conclude in March 2027 when another election cycle begins. Discontent has steadily widened across multiple member federations regarding executive overreach. Most notably, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has issued explicit warnings that it will boycott FIFA tournaments unless specific compliance conditions are met.
The Swedish Football Federation has previously confirmed that it stands fully behind UEFA’s conditional stance, compounding the diplomatic isolation facing the incumbent leadership as the 2027 election horizon approaches.
Did You Know?
Gianni Infantino assumed the FIFA presidency in 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Norway opposing Gianni Infantino?
According to NFF President Lise Klaveness, Norway lacks confidence in Infantino due to irreversible violations and controversial proposals to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup.
When is the next FIFA presidential election?
Gianni Infantino’s current term ends in March 2027, at which point he also plans on to ställa upp för omval.
What is UEFA’s position on FIFA?
UEFA has warned that it will boycott FIFA tournaments unless the governing body satisfies specific conditions set by the European federation.
Will Lise Klaveness run for FIFA president?
While former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has endorsed her for the role, Klaveness stated that her candidacy is not currently a topic of discussion and that the focus must remain on substantive issues.
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