In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the football world, controversial former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has publicly endorsed Lise Klaveness, the president of the Norwegian Football Federation, as the ideal candidate to replace current FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.

Blatter, 90, made his statement on social media shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup final, amidst growing calls for Infantino’s resignation from various corners of the sport and political landscape. His nomination of Klaveness, 45, a vocal critic of FIFA’s recent decisions, signals a potential shift in the organisation’s leadership dynamics.

Mounting pressure on Infantino

Gianni Infantino’s tenure has been increasingly scrutinised, particularly after his attempts to sell stakes in FIFA’s lucrative competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. This move has reportedly led to a significant loss of support within the football community.

The calls for Infantino’s departure have intensified, with UEFA publicly urging him to resign. Adding to the pressure, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham, has also called for the FIFA president to step down. Blatter himself weighed in on the wider situation following the recent World Cup.

Read also: Van der Poel gave Pogacar nightmares during the Tour, and the Whoop data proves it

“The longest World Cup has come to an end – with the right champions. But on the way to the final whistle, the tournament had lost its credibility,” Blatter posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Politics must not be allowed to overshadow the game. Now it is up to the fans, players and national associations to reclaim football and bring it back to its roots under new leadership.”

Klaveness: A vocal critic and potential trailblazer

Lise Klaveness, a former footballer and lawyer, was appointed president of the Norwegian Football Federation in 2022. During her playing career, she represented Norway on 71 occasions and played for clubs such as Stabæk, IL Sandviken, and Asker. She has quickly established herself as a figure with a strong moral compass, unafraid to challenge FIFA’s decisions.

Her history of dissent includes:

• Protesting FIFA’s decision to allow Qatar to host the World Cup in 2022.

• Expressing her belief that the 2034 World Cup should not be held in Saudi Arabia.

• Calling for the abolition of the FIFA Peace Prize in April, a prize that was controversially awarded to Donald Trump.

• Supporting an ethics complaint against Gianni Infantino.

Norway also notably announced in July that it would launch a complaint to FIFA after Folarin Balogun’s red card at a recent tournament was suspended following an intervention from Donald Trump. Furthermore, Norway was one of the few nations that did not send a letter to FIFA expressing support for Infantino’s re-election.

Read also: Jordan FA president accuses FIFA of 'blackmail' amid World Cup disputes

Blatter’s endorsement of Klaveness was unequivocal. “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,” he stated on social media. “And at FIFA, the time is right for a woman to take the lead.”

English journalist Henry Winter echoed this sentiment during the World Cup, suggesting that “The world of football would be a better place if Fifa was run by Lise Klaveness, Norway FA president, respected former international and an official with a strong moral compass.” Winter highlighted her regular criticism of FIFA’s “excesses (peace prize, private jets etc),” as reported by GIVEMESPORT. Reports from Reddit indicate that football fans largely agree with Blatter’s nomination, seeing Klaveness as a fresh voice for the organisation.

Should she ascend to the presidency, Klaveness would make history as the first female FIFA president, potentially ushering in a new era for global football governance.

Read also: 'Bum Neymar': Remo president unloads after tunnel dance

Read also: Messi is back tonight – but one thing is very different