Sepp Blatter, the former FIFA President, voiced his opinions on Tuesday regarding the decision to award Saudi Arabia hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup, arguing that England should have been the recipient. He highlighted England’s long-standing relationship with football, noting that the nation has been eager to host the tournament again since its successful 1966 campaign.
Blatter criticized FIFA’s process of granting the tournament to Saudi Arabia, labeling it as organized to avoid opposition. He pointed out that 2038 now stands as the next chance for England to host the World Cup, encouraging the country to “wake up and apply again,” given its historical connection to the sport.
The choice of Saudi Arabia has sparked considerable backlash due to concerns regarding the desert climate and the nation’s human rights issues, reminiscent of criticisms faced by Qatar during the 2022 World Cup. FIFA’s 2030 World Cup was previously awarded to a joint candidacy from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, which has also drawn fire for its potential environmental impacts from extensive travel across three continents.
Blatter shared his worries about the rising influence of Middle Eastern countries in sports, specifically football and Formula 1, and remarked on how the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams starting next year may compromise the quality of the competition.
He echoed concerns raised by various stakeholders within the football community about player welfare due to congested match schedules. This ongoing dialogue about the future of football and the health of its players is crucial, especially as they encounter the pressures of ever-busier calendars.
Despite the challenges, there is optimism that England will persist in seeking opportunities to host major tournaments, and that future World Cup editions will maintain a crucial balance between accessibility for fans and the integrity of the game. This vision for a fair and high-quality tournament continues to resonate within the football community, illustrating a collective commitment to the sport’s future.
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