Frenchman Michel Platini, former president of UEFA, revealed details of his work with Swiss Gianni Infantino, the current president of FIFA.
When Platini was president of UEFA, Infantino served as secretary-general, and they collaborated from 2007 until 2015.
Platini stated in remarks quoted by the French newspaper "L'Équipe": "Infantino was somewhat similar to his current self, but he had a boss above him (meaning himself). I have always known that he loves money and power."
He added: "I believe football is a wonderful celebration and something important. Football is about matches; this is politics. It's a microcosm of people who think they are the rulers of football."
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He continued: "Meanwhile, the true rulers of football are figures like Mbappé, Zidane, and Maradona. There is bureaucracy that enables some to reach positions, gain glory and money, and then lose it. We need the presence of former players."
Regarding the removal of Infantino from his position, he elaborated: "This matter will not be resolved through sports bodies. If UEFA wants to remove Infantino, it will happen through the courts."
He concluded: "He has failed because he did not respect the rules of the game. He did not respect them; he must leave."