Overview
- Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said in a Der Spiegel interview published Wednesday that Gianni Infantino is a "dictator" and suggested he should be sent to a psychiatric hospital, accusing him of running FIFA with unchecked authority.
- FIFA issued a formal rebuttal rejecting Blatter's claims, saying Infantino is carrying out his duties and noting that independent FIFA judicial bodies lifted the suspension on US striker Folarin Balogun.
- Blatter criticised specific decisions under Infantino's tenure, citing the 2025 creation of a FIFA Peace Prize awarded to President Donald Trump, the aborted plan to sell part of the World Cup's commercial rights, and the handling of Balogun's red card.
- Blatter said Infantino secures re-election support by promising more money to national associations and named Sebastian Coe as his preferred successor while noting Kozo Tashima has declared a challenge.
- The intervention revives questions about FIFA accountability and possible legal routes, with Blatter urging review at the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the dispute increasing scrutiny ahead of the Nov. 18 nomination deadline.