Jurgen Klopp says FIFA is worse under Infantino than Blatter

Jurgen Klopp has called for a change of FIFA president, saying the governing body has become worse under Gianni Infantino than it was under Sepp Blatter.

The Germany coach spoke before Monday’s Nations League match against the Netherlands, as reports confirmed Arsene Wenger would not challenge Infantino in next year’s election.

Klopp argued that football could find a better alternative, with the deadline for presidential candidates approaching on Wednesday.

Jurgen Klopp calls for change at FIFA

“I didn’t think things could get worse after Sepp Blatter, but someone managed to do just that,” Klopp said, according to Reuters’ report from his press conference.

Klopp said he believed there was agreement that a change would make sense. He argued that a successor could improve FIFA and wanted someone whose priority was the future of football rather than financial interests.

Infantino succeeded Blatter in 2016 and is seeking re-election in March 2027. He has pledged to remain in office despite opposition from European football leaders.

Wenger decides against challenging Infantino

Klopp’s comments came on the day BBC Sport reported that Wenger had ruled himself out of the presidential contest.

The former Arsenal manager, who works as FIFA’s chief of global football development, had been considering a challenge and would have had UEFA’s backing.

His decision leaves the European governing body looking for an alternative before the nomination deadline on Wednesday 18 November.

We previously covered Wenger’s possible challenge to Infantino, but the latest reporting changes the position.

Who could stand against Infantino?

Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega and Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima have announced their intention to stand.

However, the BBC reports that Tashima had not yet secured the five endorsements from member associations required to support his candidacy.

Infantino retains support outside Europe, including in Africa, Asia and South America. Opposition from UEFA therefore does not guarantee a successful challenge.

The election follows controversy over an abandoned proposal to bring private investment into a company managing FIFA’s commercial interests. As PA explains in its report on Wenger’s decision, the plan met resistance from several confederations before being withdrawn.

Klopp has made his preference clear. Whether those seeking change can agree on a challenger remains the immediate question.

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