Norwegian football chief Lise Klaveness has dismissed suggestions that she is preparing a bid for the FIFA presidency. Klaveness, a former international player and a vocal critic of FIFA, has been named as a potential challenger to current president Gianni Infantino.
Infantino is currently facing scrutiny following a backlash against his undisclosed plan to sell stakes in a new company that would manage the commercial rights for the World Cup. Klaveness stated today, “As of now, we have a sitting president who is still sitting, and that is what we are dealing with.”
She added that while the press speculates about many candidates, she does not hear any internal discussions about real candidates, at least not within her organisation. Klaveness also noted that her name being mentioned is “not something that is a topic at all.”
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who was removed from office due to a corruption scandal, had publicly endorsed Klaveness on social media this week, suggesting it was time for a woman to lead FIFA. Klaveness dismissed Blatter's endorsement, referencing his past comments about women's football, including a suggestion that players wear shorter shorts.
No challenger has yet emerged to stand against Infantino, who is currently expected to be re-elected unopposed next year if he remains in his position. UEFA, AFC, and Concacaf have all expressed a loss of confidence in his leadership.