Klopp says FIFA worse under Infantino than Blatter: Klopp

Juergen Klopp, the Germany coach, has criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino, stating that the organization has deteriorated under his leadership compared to the time of disgraced former chief Sepp Blatter. On the eve of Germany's Nations League match against the Netherlands, Klopp expressed his opinion at a press conference, saying that a change in leadership at FIFA is desperately needed.

"The opinion is unanimous that a change would make sense," Klopp emphasized. "I didn't think things could get worse after Sepp Blatter, but someone managed to do just that."

Infantino, also Swiss, assumed the FIFA presidency in 2016 after Blatter's tenure came to an end following a corruption scandal. Blatter was later acquitted in a Swiss criminal case involving a payment of two million Swiss francs to former UEFA president Michel Platini. Klopp believes that if Infantino were to step down, the subsequent president could potentially improve the situation, provided that individuals with genuine concern for the future of football, devoid of financial interests, come together and assume the role.

"If Infantino goes, then the next one could maybe do it better," Klopp stated. "I think it is possible to make it better."

Infantino, who is up for re-election in March 2027 and has pledged to continue his tenure, faced heavy criticism in July following an unsuccessful attempt to involve private investors in a new FIFA commercial entity responsible for rights linked to competitions, including the World Cup.