'Dictator' Infantino needs psychiatric help, says former FIFA chief Blatter

Former FIFA boss Sepp Blatter has dismissed current leader Gianni Infantino as a dictator who requires psychiatric assistance, according to an interview published in Der Spiegel. Blatter, 90, criticized Infantino's creation of a FIFA Peace Prize for then-US President Donald Trump, as well as his intention to sell part of the World Cup's commercial rights, a decision that was later abandoned due to backlash.

Blatter described Infantino's actions as "embarrassing" and questioned why he would give a peace prize to someone at war with Iran. He also claimed that Infantino's re-election campaign involved offering national football bodies more money in return for votes, making him a "dictator." Blatter further accused Infantino of "not knowing any borders" and suggested he should be sent to a psychiatric ward.

FIFA, however, refuted these allegations, stating that Infantino is fulfilling his duties as president. Blatter, who resigned in 2015 amid corruption allegations, suggested that Japanese official Kozo Tashima could replace Infantino, but instead endorsed World Athletics president Sebastian Coe as a better choice.