Former Ghana head coach Claude Le Roy has launched a blistering attack on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, questioning his continued leadership of world football and expressing concern over the lack of competition in the governing body’s presidential elections.

The veteran French tactician, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential coaches to have worked in African football, said he was surprised that Infantino remains at the helm of FIFA and appears set to contest the next presidential election with little opposition.

“I am shocked that this man is still at the head of FIFA. I don’t understand how we can accept that he is almost the only candidate for the next election,” Le Roy said.

While acknowledging one of Infantino’s strengths, Le Roy delivered a scathing assessment of the FIFA president.

“He has one quality: he is multilingual. But he is a multilingual idiot, dangerous for football, who has brought absolutely nothing positive and has made the sport look controversial in the eyes of everyone.”

Le Roy’s comments rank among the strongest public criticisms levelled against Infantino since the Swiss-Italian administrator assumed office in 2016 following the departure of Sepp Blatter.

During his tenure, Infantino has overseen the expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams beginning with the 2026 edition, while also introducing an expanded FIFA Club World Cup and increasing financial support for member associations through FIFA’s development programmes.

Despite those initiatives, his administration has faced criticism from sections of the football fraternity over governance, transparency, scheduling and commercial decisions, with some stakeholders arguing that the sport’s global image has suffered.

Le Roy, who enjoyed coaching spells with Ghana, Cameroon, Congo, Togo, Senegal and DR Congo, remains one of the most respected voices in African football. His outspoken remarks are expected to spark fresh debate over FIFA’s leadership and the future direction of the global game.