A woman should take FIFA's leadership, says Blatter
Aug 05, 2026
Berlin [Germany], August 5: Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter said a woman should take the leadership of the world governing body and suggested Lise Klaveness as an option.
"Lise Klaveness deserves the utmost respect. She was the only one who always took a clear stand and did not go along with the mainstream.
"And at FIFA, the time is right for a woman to take the lead," Blatter wrote on X on Tuesday.
Klaveness is a former footballer who's currently the president of the Norwegian Football Federation.
Last year, Klaveness made the headlines for clearly speaking out in favour of the exclusion of Israel from international football events due to the conflict with Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza.
Blatter remarks come amid a wave of criticism of Infantino, who last week unveiled plans worth billions to sell World Cup rights to private investors.
Following major protests, including UEFA's threat of a World Cup boycott, the FIFA boss withdrew the proposal.
Klaveness has been a constant critic of FIFA and Infantino.
Infantino's bid for another term as FIFA president from 2027 to 2031 is also facing increased scrutiny following the failed deal, with association such as European ruling body UEFA, the English Football Association and the German Football Federation speaking of a loss of trust in the FIFA boss.
Source: Qatar Tribune