The attacks keep coming against FIFA President Sepp Blatter for his comments against superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in the last few weeks.
During a conference at the Oxford Union, Blatter was asked if he preferred Ronaldo or his rival Lionel Messi. Blatter responded that he preferred Messi and mocked Ronaldo onstage. Real Madrid executives and Ronaldo himself fired back at Blatter's lack of professionalism and now Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes and former Atletico Madrid winger Paulo Futre have taken their turns at blasting Blatter.
"This sad episode involving Mr Blatter shows an unacceptable lack of respect for the exemplary professionalism and dedication that Cristiano Ronaldo has demonstrated throughout his career," Mendes said according to ESPN. "As well as an unprecedented disregard for the millions of Ronaldo and Spanish football fans around the world."
"This incident is unworthy of the highest representative of an institution such as FIFA," he added. "They should value the stars that bring so much passion to this sport, instead of trying to publicly humiliate them."
Futre went a step further in his criticism and even hinted at a potential conspiracy theory brewing against Ronaldo by FIFA.
"These comments explain the reasons why Cristiano does not have more Ballons d'Or," Futre said in Marca. "This trophy is a farce. If I had doubts, they have been cleared up completely."
Ronaldo has lost the Ballon d'Or to Messi in four straight years. Regarding Portugal's chances of making the World Cup next summer, Futre also expressed concern.
"I am concerned -- Portugal's place at the World Cup is on the line," Futre said. "I am afraid this could leave us out -- considering the hate which Blatter has for Cristiano. Blatter has shown he has hate, but Cristiano will speak on the pitch. There has been a lack of respect for the best player in the world."
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