Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has launched a scathing attack on his successor Gianni Infantino, labeling the current FIFA chief a "dictator" and suggesting he requires psychiatric help.
The 88-year-old Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 to 2015 before being banned for ethics violations, made the remarks in an interview published Wednesday. Blatter's tenure ended amid a massive corruption scandal that led to his suspension and the election of Infantino in 2016.
Infantino, 54, has overseen significant expansion of FIFA tournaments during his presidency, including the enlargement of the World Cup to 48 teams starting in 2026 and the creation of new club competitions. His leadership style has drawn both praise for commercial growth and criticism for centralized decision-making.
The public feud between the two Swiss football administrators highlights ongoing tensions within football's governing body. Blatter's comments come as FIFA prepares for the 2026 World Cup in North America and navigates relationships with continental confederations and major leagues.
