Klopp backs FIFA leadership change as UEFA moves to oust Infantino before 2027 vote

Klopp's criticism of FIFA's leadership

Asked about FIFA president Gianni Infantino at a press conference on Sunday, 15 November, Germany coach Jürgen Klopp said the opinion on a change at the top of world football's governing body was unanimous and that a change could make sense. He said he had not expected the situation to get worse after Sepp Blatter, whom Infantino succeeded in 2016, but added that someone had managed it. His remarks came ahead of the Nations League match against the Netherlands in Berlin. Blatter has himself criticised his successor sharply in recent days.

“I would not have thought it could get worse after Sepp Blatter, but someone has managed it.”

Klopp also said that people who care about the future of football and have no financial interests should come together, and that it would be absolutely helpful if one of them became president. He said he was curious to see what would happen, while stressing that the question was not his topic. DFB president Bernd Neuendorf had already taken a clear position against Infantino.

Election timetable and challengers

The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 2027, and nominations for candidates close on Wednesday, 18 November. UEFA wants to unseat Infantino. So far only two challengers have announced candidacies: the Swiss former professional Ramon Vega and the Japanese Kozo Tashima. Hans-Joachim Watzke, DFB vice president and a member of UEFA's executive committee, did not rule out that UEFA could back Tashima. In an interview with RTL and Sky, he said:

“Everything in life is a question of alternatives.”

Arsène Wenger's name has also come up. Wenger managed Arsenal for 22 years and has worked at FIFA as director of global football development since 2019. The New York Times and the BBC reported that he was considering a run, while the Times reported that the 77-year-old will not stand. Watzke said Wenger would be "top" but had not committed himself. The Telegraph reported that Emmanuel Macron had offered Wenger help and had contacted other heads of state to win their support.

Monday's match and Germany's position

Germany meet the Netherlands on Monday, 16 November, with kick-off at 20:45 on ARD in Berlin, and the result will decide whether the team progresses in the Nations League, where relegation is also possible. This is Klopp's sixth international match in charge. A defeat would leave Germany on eight points in third place. If Norway beat Denmark the following day, Germany would be among the two weaker of four third-placed group teams. The Netherlands go into the match after a 7-0 win over Greece, which Klopp's staff watched on video, and Klopp described the Dutch as having a strong generation while Germany are in transition. Klopp said his side was prepared for a difficult game, and Nico Schlotterbeck is expected to return to the starting lineup.