Lise Klaveness Responds After Sepp Blatter Backs Her For FIFA Presidency

The president of the Norwegian Football Federation has hit back at one of the sport's most controversial former administrators after being tipped as a potential successor to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

The suggestion came from a man who himself spent 17 years running the governing body before resigning amid scandal, and it was met with a sharp reminder of one of his own past controversies as FIFA president rather than any real engagement with the idea.

It's an exchange that has added another layer to an already turbulent period for FIFA, with UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC all having voiced a loss of confidence in Infantino's leadership, following a failed attempt to sell off stakes in the World Cup.

Lise Klaveness Responds to Sepp Blatter's Presidential Suggestion

71-cap former Norwegian international footballer Lise Klaveness was asked about the speculation after fronting a press conference to explain the NFF's vote of no confidence in Infantino.

Sepp Blatter had posted on X shortly after the 2026 World Cup final, arguing the tournament had "lost its credibility," and in a more recent post, the Swiss stated: "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. And at FIFA, the time is right for a woman to take the lead."

Klaveness's response leaned on history rather than flattery when speaking to Norwegian broadcaster NRK:

"Sepp Blatter was president when I was a player. I remember that he wanted us to play in shorter shorts, and I commented on that at the time. But I have no comment on this."

Fans React After Klaveness Rebuffs Blatter's Endorsement to Replace Infantino

Despite multiple sources linking her name to the role, Klaveness insisted a bid is not something the NFF is discussing internally.

"The media speculate about many candidates, and that's their job, but I don't hear any internal discussions about genuine candidates," she explained, adding that FIFA currently has "a sitting president,” with any succession conversation only following a resignation or election.

She also declined to speculate on whether UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin could stand, insisting the debate should centre on governance rather than personalities, before confirming Norway no longer has confidence in Infantino, and that they will be requesting his resignation.

The comeback itself has gone down well with football fans, with many praising her willingness to call out Blatter despite his show of support. One fan suggested the timing said more about Blatter than Klaveness, arguing he is "clearly desperate to redeem his public image" and that the ongoing chaos with Infantino and FIFA has given him "a perfect opportunity" to do so. Others were more direct in their praise, with one calling it "such a gangster response" and another suggesting it was "even more reason for her to be president."

Several fans also picked up on the fact that Klaveness didn't let Blatter's endorsement pass without comment, with one writing it was "good by her to still call him out even when he was just supporting for PR." Further reaction was similarly glowing, with fans branding her "such a badass" and another joking that she has "more balls than FIFA."

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