Platini claims Infantino is turning into more of an autocrat

Ex UEFA chief Michel Platini has accused FIFA leader Gianni Infantino of evolving into more of an autocrat, with a focus on the wealthy and influential, during a chat with The Guardian on Thursday.

Infantino served as Platinis right hand man at UEFA from 2009 until 2015 while the French icon led Europes football authority.

He made a solid deputy but struggles as the top figure Platini remarked about Infantino. He thrived at UEFA however he has a flaw he gravitates towards those with wealth and influence the affluent circles. That is his nature.

He showed that trait even as deputy though at the time he was not in charge.

Regrettably Infantino has grown more authoritarian post pandemic Platini added.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches in the United States Canada and Mexico Infantino has forged ties with US President Donald Trump and launched a unique FIFA peace award which he presented to him during the tournaments draw in December.

The Swiss Italian attorney succeeded the controversy plagued Sepp Blatter in 2016 yet Platini argues Infantinos hierarchical approach has rendered FIFA less democratic compared to the Blatter era.

Democracy has diminished since Blatters period whatever criticisms you level at Blatter his key issue was his desire to stay on indefinitely at FIFA. He was beneficial for the sport Platini shared with The Guardian.

Many current football officials treat it merely as employment they would manage just as well with basketball or similar. Passion for football is not always evident among UEFA or FIFA staff.

Platini has long voiced opposition to Infantino and his inner group alleging he blocked Platinis own FIFA presidency run by alerting Swiss authorities to an unreported two million Swiss franc payment around $2.5 million from Blatter to Platini.