"Dictator": Blatter wants to "send Infantino to a psychiatric clinic"

In an interview with German news magazine "Spiegel", Joseph Blatter launched a scathing attack against FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

The Swiss alleged, among other things, that his compatriot Infantino suffers from mental illness and suggested a possible case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Blatter: "He could be taken to court there"

Now 90 years old, Blatter pulled no punches when asked about Infantino.

He described the 56-year-old as "a dictator" who should "perhaps be sent to a psychiatric clinic." Infantino "no longer knows any boundaries" and does not understand at all what he is doing.

Alongside psychiatric admission, Blatter also sees legal action as a possible solution: "There is another way, through the Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS in Lausanne. You could take him to court there, because his conduct violates the FIFA statutes," the former FIFA president said.

As an example, Blatter cited the peace prize Infantino created on his own initiative and presented to Donald Trump.

Trump as a bad influence and bizarre insider claims

Getting to know the US president had a negative influence on Infantino, according to Blatter: "FIFA is suffering. It is currently being led by someone who has been blinded. The meeting with Donald Trump changed Gianni Infantino."

Infantino believes "he has been chosen to monopolise the world's most popular sport."

Furthermore, Blatter revealed explosive alleged internal details from Infantino's circle: "He is a dictator. People at FIFA tell me that no one is allowed to ride in the elevator with him. He is 'untouchable'."

FIFA denied the claims when contacted by "AFP".

Athletics chief and Wenger as potential successors

Blatter, who had to step down in 2015 and was succeeded by Infantino in 2016, hopes to see him voted out of office (all info >>>).

Ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election, Blatter openly supports Sebastian Coe, the head of World Athletics. Managerial legend Arsene Wenger is also considered a serious contender.