Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp has openly called for a new president to lead FIFA, saying “a change would make sense” as Gianni Infantino faces growing criticism over his leadership.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Germany’s game against the Netherlands, Klopp made his position clear. “The general consensus is now that a change would make sense,” he said. Klopp pointed to the disappointment many felt after former FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s tenure, adding, “People thought things couldn’t get any worse after [former president] Sepp Blatter, and then we got this [Gianni Infantino].”
Infantino, a Swiss national, has been under intense scrutiny in recent months, facing harsh words from European football leaders, internal FIFA council members, and former officials. These criticisms have focused on governance issues and perceived financial priorities under his presidency.
Klopp suggested that FIFA’s leadership should come from people who prioritise football over financial interests. “There are certainly people out there who only care about football and have no priority on financial interests,” he said. He expressed hope for such a figure taking the helm, adding, “If one of them became president, it would be absolutely helpful.”
The comments from Klopp come amid an increasingly difficult period for Infantino, whose presidency has attracted pressure from multiple directions. European football’s governing bodies have voiced concerns about the direction of FIFA under his control, and internal council members have also expressed dissatisfaction. Former FIFA officials have joined the chorus, further amplifying calls for reform at the organisation’s highest level.
Infantino took office in 2016, following Sepp Blatter’s resignation amid corruption scandals. His presidency was initially welcomed as a chance to restore FIFA’s image, but criticism has mounted over alleged conflicts of interest and governance transparency.
Klopp’s remarks underline a growing demand within football circles for change in FIFA’s leadership. His position as Germany’s national coach gives weight to his words, and they are likely to add to the pressure on Infantino as FIFA faces scrutiny ahead of its next presidential election.
The German coach did not specify any names as potential successors but emphasised that the priority should be on leadership focused on the game itself rather than financial gain. His comments reflect a wider unease among football professionals and officials about the current state of the sport’s global governing body.
FIFA is expected to hold its next presidential election in 2027, with Infantino eligible to seek another term. The ongoing debates around governance and leadership will be central to the discussions leading up to that vote.
Klopp’s call for change arrives at a moment when football’s governing institutions are under pressure to address their internal challenges. How FIFA responds could shape the future of the sport’s global administration in the years to come.
According to Yahoo Sports.
