Blatter mocks Infantino for the $25 million promised by FIFA and questions the credibility of football

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has criticized his successor, Gianni Infantino, for an apology to soccer officials and a promise of $25 million for each national soccer federation.

Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 to 2015, responded sarcastically to Infantino’s remarks Thursday at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, questioning whether financial promises could restore confidence in soccer’s governing body.

Infantino’s apology follows growing criticism over a proposal to open the FIFA World Cup to private sector investors. The initiative has reportedly raised concerns about its management, communication and implications for the organization.

Addressing members of the FIFA Council, Infantino acknowledged that mistakes had been made in the management and communication of the project, which had attracted widespread criticism.

“I would like to say that we apologize for the mistakes we made in managing this project and communicating about it, which had many consequences,” Infantino said.

He also reportedly promised a financial package worth $25 million for each national association, although the proposal did not gain unanimous support within the FIFA Council.

Blatter scoffs at Infantino’s apology

Reacting to the development in a post on X, Blatter used religious imagery to mock Infantino’s apology and promise of funding.

“Gianni Infantino, the greatest! An astonishing sight in Zurich: Infantino, who seems like a good Catholic, confesses his sins and then promises 25 million. Confession, forgiveness and absolution, all in one appearance! The Pope must be happy,” Blatter wrote.

The former FIFA president’s remarks suggested that the apology and financial commitment were insufficient to address concerns about the proposal.

Blatter, who was succeeded by Infantino in 2016, has remained a leading critic of developments within FIFA since leaving office.

“Credibility cannot be bought”

Blatter concluded his critique with a perceptive observation on the relationship between financial incentives and public trust in football administration.

“But in football, as in the Church, credibility cannot be bought,” he wrote.

His comments add to criticism leveled at Infantino over his proposed private sector investment plan and the way it has been handled.

The controversy has raised questions about FIFA’s decision-making process and the level of support for the proposal among football administrators.

Infantino’s apology was intended to acknowledge concerns surrounding the project, but Blatter’s response indicates that the controversy remains a matter of debate within the soccer community.

FIFA is yet to see the dispute fully resolved, with scrutiny continuing over the proposed funding package and the wider implications of involving private sector investors in the World Cup.