FIFA reformer warns of return to ‘Blatterism’

Mark Pieth, a Swiss criminal law professor who has led reform drives at FIFA, made the comments after the head of the world body’s independent audit committee, Domenico Scala, quit in protest at what he called an attack on FIFA’s reforms.

Infantino “has dropped the mask,” of a reformer, Pieth told AFP. “He is showing his real motives and his real personality.”

Pieth further accused Infantino of not respecting the need for checks on power.“For me, it’s falling back to the worst times of Blatterism,” the Swiss professor said.

Pieth, who is close to Scala, also indicated that the FIFA boss pushed Scala to resign following a dispute over Infantino’s proposed salary. Scala sat on the remuneration committee tasked with recommending Infantino’s pay which is still to be decided.

Scala stepped down on Saturday, voicing concern over a measure that gave the FIFA Council control of the nomination of members of independent oversight bodies such as its ethics committee and audit and compliance committee.

The measure was approved at this week’s congress in Mexico City, the first since Infantino replaced Blatter as president.