Lisa Klaveness – a FIFA candidate? © APA/afp / AMANDA PEDERSEN GISKE

Former FIFA boss proposes this woman as head of the organization.

Following criticism of FIFA boss Gianni Infantino over a failed investor deal, his predecessor Joseph Blatter has spoken out in favor of Norway's association president as his successor.

August 04, 2026

From: dpa/sn

“Lise Klaveness deserves the utmost respect. She was the only one who always took a clear stance and didn't follow the mainstream. And at FIFA, the time is ripe for a woman to take the lead,” Blatter (90) wrote on the microblogging service X.

The Swiss national announced his resignation as president of FIFA in May 2015 in the wake of the corruption scandal and was succeeded by his compatriot Infantino in early 2016. Since then, Blatter has been a vocal critic of his successor.

FIFA elections on March 18, 2027

Infantino is now facing heavy criticism. The 56-year-old wanted to sell World Cup rights to private investors. He had to abandon this multi-billion-euro project, which was widely described as a sell-out of football, after massive resistance from associations and the public.

Klaveness (45) is a critical voice in world football, advocating for women's rights, among other things. Infantino is actually planning to be elected for a third and final four-year term as FIFA president on March 18th of next year in Rabat, Morocco. Candidates must submit their applications by November 18th.