Sepp Blatter Advocates for England’s World Cup Bid Over Saudi…

Sepp Blatter believes England should have received World Cup hosting rights before Saudi Arabia for the 2034 tournament. He highlighted England’s efforts since 1966 and criticized the decision-making process. Additionally, he expressed concerns about the expansion of the World Cup and the influence of Middle Eastern nations in the sport.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter expressed that England should have been awarded the rights to host a future World Cup prior to Saudi Arabia, which is set to host the 2034 tournament. In an interview, Blatter commented on England’s significant contributions to football and lamented that they have been seeking to host the World Cup since 1966, yet are still waiting. He suggested that the process leading to Saudi Arabia’s selection was orchestrated in a manner that left England without competitors for that opportunity.

FIFA recently assigned the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia through an uncontested procedure, while Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will jointly host the 2030 tournament, including matches across South America. These selections have drawn criticism, particularly concerning the environmental impact of the 2030 tournament’s extensive travel and Saudi Arabia’s human rights situation, reminiscent of concerns raised about the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The next available opportunity for England to host the World Cup would be in 2038, following their successful campaign in 1966. Blatter voiced his apprehension regarding the increasing dominance of Middle Eastern nations in sports, particularly football and Formula 1, due to substantial investments. Despite his concerns, he encouraged England to pursue another bid to host the World Cup.

Blatter also raised alarms about the expansion of the World Cup tournament format, which will increase from 32 teams to 48 teams in the upcoming event across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He expressed fears that such expansion threatens the quality of the competition, likening it to potential future scenarios where the tournament could include up to 128 teams.

He warned that this relentless growth could ultimately harm the sport by diminishing the experience for spectators. Stating, “As long as football has 2 billion followers, then FIFA thinks they are happy,” he cautioned that there will be a limit to how much football can develop, with higher numbers of players, spectators, and facilities not necessarily reflecting better results.

Sepp Blatter’s remarks highlight the competitive landscape surrounding World Cup hosting rights, particularly regarding England’s historical significance in football and the influence of Middle Eastern nations. His concerns about tournament expansion and its potential impact on quality underline a broader discussion about the future of international football. Ultimately, he advocates for England to continue seeking hosting opportunities.

Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com