Sepp Blatter, the controversial former president of FIFA, has launched a scathing attack on his successor Gianni Infantino, taking particular aim at his close relationship with former US President Donald Trump.
Blatter's Explosive Allegations
The 89-year-old Swiss administrator, who was cleared of criminal corruption charges earlier this year following a scandal that erupted in 2015, gave a fiery interview ahead of Friday's 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC. Blatter, who served a ban from football until this year for ethics violations, refused to even use Infantino's name directly.
In comments to The Telegraph, Blatter suggested a blurring of lines between football leadership and US politics. "My successor, I don’t know if it is really Trump or Infantino," he stated. He expressed concern over the location of the World Cup trophy, which is traditionally kept in Zurich, quipping: "Perhaps that his trophy is already in the White House."
A Legacy of Bitterness and Political Influence
The feud between Blatter and the man who replaced him on a mandate to clean up FIFA is long-standing. Blatter accused Infantino of lacking respect for the legacy he built and claimed he is now allowing politicians to take over the sport. "Now they give the impression that politicians – on one side Saudi Arabia, and on the other side USA – will take over," he added.
Infantino's rapport with Trump has drawn significant scrutiny. The FIFA chief praised Trump's role in Middle East peace talks and was criticised by UEFA for arriving late to a conference earlier this year, reportedly due to "pursuing private interests" while accompanying Trump on a Gulf states tour. Furthermore, a FIFA peace prize to be awarded on Friday is widely expected to go to the former US president.
Controversy Extends to On-Field Decisions
Blatter also weighed in on a recent disciplinary decision involving Cristiano Ronaldo, who was given a suspended ban for violent conduct. "Disciplinary matters should be regarded as a 'court'," Blatter argued. "You should not make decisions by the presidential decision." Ronaldo, who recently met Trump at the Oval Office, will now be available for Portugal's opening World Cup games.
The World Cup draw ceremony begins at 5pm GMT on Friday at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and will be broadcast globally.
