"Sepp Blatter Makes His Move: Who He Wants to Succeed Gianni Infantino as FIFA President"

FORMER Fifa president Sepp Blatter has publicly called for Lise Klaveness to succeed Gianni Infantino and become the organisation’s first female leader.

The Norwegian Football Federation chief was an outspoken opponent of Infantino’s proposal for the World Cup to be sold off to a private equity company.

Lise Klaveness has been endorsed to become Fifa’s first ever female president Credit: EPA Ex-president Blatter praised Klaveness’s unwavering criticism of Infantino’s leadership Credit: Reuters

Blatter hailed her principled resolve in a post on X, which opened by declaring: “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.”

Klaveness, 45, currently sits on ‘s executive committee, and had previously called on Infantino to abolish the ‘Peace Prize’ after he awarded it to .

In addition to praising the former lawyer and 73-time international, Blatter went on to state that she should become Fifa’s first ever female president.

The face of Fifa from 1998 to 2015 affirmed: “The time is right for a woman to take the lead.”

Blatter rounded off his endorsement with the hashtag #lise4president.

Infantino’s predecessor has become one of his leading critics, with Blatter declaring that the World Cup “had lost its credibility” even before the recent attempt to sell off the sport’s showpiece.

Despite repeatedly attacking Infantino for damaging the game, Blatter’s time at the top of football administration was also embroiled in controversy.

Infantino’s position has come under serious pressure after his attempt to sell stakes in Fifa’s major tournaments Credit: Getty

The 90-year-old resigned in disgrace amid a corruption scandal in 2015, but has now called for another changing of the guard.

Fifa is set to host leadership elections at its upcoming Congress in March, where Infantino will seek a fourth term at the helm.

With the incumbent facing severe criticism from football federations and politicians across the globe, a potential challenger could emerge ahead of the November 18 deadline.

Klaveness has recently appealed for Infantino to face Fifa’s ethics committee, but is yet to announce whether she would oppose him in a presidential race.