Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter argued that England deserved the rights to host the World Cup before Saudi Arabia. He praised England’s contributions to football and criticized the uncontested bidding for the 2034 tournament. Blatter expressed concerns about the sport’s integrity due to its expansion and the growing influence of Middle Eastern nations in football.
In an interview, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter expressed that England should have won the rights to host the World Cup prior to Saudi Arabia, which is set to host in 2034. Blatter commended England for its contributions to football and noted their attempts since 1966 to secure another World Cup. He referred to the process that awarded Saudi Arabia the 2034 tournament as cleverly orchestrated without opposition to their bid.
FIFA’s decision to award the tournament to Saudi Arabia has been met with criticism, particularly regarding the nation’s climate and human rights issues, similar to concerns raised during the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The next opportunity for England to host would be in 2038, marking their second World Cup appearance after their victory in 1966.
Blatter voiced concerns over the growing influence of Middle Eastern nations in sports such as football and Formula 1, urging England to apply for future World Cup hosting. Additionally, he indicated worry regarding the expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, emphasizing that such growth could diminish the tournament’s quality.
He raised a significant concern over the potential for future expansions, questioning whether the competition could reach extremes, such as 128 teams. Blatter lamented that while FIFA may feel satisfied with its financial growth and expansive fanbase, there may come a point when the sport’s integrity could be compromised.
Sepp Blatter advocates for England’s hosting rights for the World Cup, asserting that they should have been granted the opportunity before Saudi Arabia. His concerns regarding the expanding size of the World Cup and the influence of the Middle East reflect a broader apprehension about the future quality and integrity of the sport. Blatter believes that England should actively seek to host the tournament in 2038 to reinvigorate its footballing status.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
