Uefa chief Lennart Johansson is furious with Fifa president Sepp Blatter for endorsing his rival Michel Platini in the battle for the UEFA presidency.
Blatter has backed Platini ahead of the vote on Friday.
“I think he’s wheeling and dealing, said 77-year-old Johansson.
For the first time since he was elected 16 years ago, Johansson is facing a real threat to his position, and he is unhappy with Blatter’s remarks.
Blatter, meanwhile, has defended his right so voice an opinion.
“As a Fifa president I have nothing to say about this election but if you ask me about my personal feelings I don’t have to hide them,” he said.
“I have a clear sympathy to a man who has accompanied me for eight-and-a-half years as Fifa president in most of my business travel.
“Since 1998 Platini has been my personal adviser and he is my friend. He has my sympathy but it is not a direct intervention.
“They may criticise that but I said what I think. I have to say to the associations what I am thinking.
“I cannot be the referee, I cannot be the judge, but I have the right to say I have sympathy for the man who has been with me through the turmoils of the last eight years.”
