Sepp Blatter, the former FIFA President, expressed his belief on Tuesday that England should have been awarded the World Cup hosting rights ahead of Saudi Arabia, which has secured the 2034 tournament. He praised England’s long contributions to football, arguing that the country deserves the honor as it has been striving to host the event again since 1966.
Blatter criticized the way FIFA awarded the 2034 tournament to Saudi Arabia, stating that the process was organized to avoid opposition. He noted that 2038 is now the next available opportunity for England to host another World Cup after their triumph in 1966. “They should wake up and apply again,” he advised, emphasizing England’s historical significance to the sport.
The decision to grant Saudi Arabia the hosting rights has faced backlash, with concerns raised over both the country’s desert climate and its human rights record. This is reminiscent of the critiques directed at Qatar during the 2022 World Cup. FIFA awarded the 2030 World Cup to a joint bid from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, which has also been criticized for its environmental impact due to travel across three continents.
Blatter also expressed apprehensions regarding the growing influence of Middle Eastern nations in sports, mentioning football and Formula 1, while pointing out that the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, starting next year, could dilute the quality of the tournament.
He echoed sentiments from various stakeholders in the football community who have raised similar concerns about player welfare amidst congested match schedules. The ongoing dialogue about the future of football and the health of its athletes is vital, especially as players and leagues continue to grapple with the demands of increasingly crowded calendars.
Amidst these challenges, there remains hope that England will continue to seek hosting opportunities for major tournaments and that future editions of the World Cup will balance accessibility for fans while preserving the integrity and quality of the game.
Leave a comment