Sepp Blatter stated that England should have been awarded World Cup hosting rights before Saudi Arabia for the 2034 edition. He argued that England, having contributed significantly to football, deserves this honor. He also expressed concerns over the expansion of the World Cup and its potential effects on the sport’s quality.
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter expressed that England should have secured hosting rights for the FIFA World Cup before Saudi Arabia, which was awarded the 2034 tournament. He highlighted England’s historical contributions to football since it originally hosted the event in 1966 and noted that they deserve recognition for their efforts to host it again. Blatter criticized the decision-making process for favoring Saudi Arabia while dismissing England’s rightful claims to the event.
In December, FIFA granted Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup in an uncontested bid, while Spain, Portugal, and Morocco were chosen as primary hosts for the 2030 tournament. The awarding of these tournaments has drawn criticism from climate advocates due to the substantial increase in carbon emissions resulting from extensive international travel across multiple continents.
Concerns have arisen regarding Saudi Arabia’s bid due to its harsh desert climate and the country’s problematic human rights record, paralleling previous scrutiny faced by the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Despite these criticisms, Saudi Arabia has maintained that it does not suppress rights. Consequently, England’s next chance to host could be in 2038, marking the potential for its first home World Cup since 1966.
Blatter voiced his unease about the growing control of Middle Eastern nations in global sports like football and Formula 1, both heavily financed by these countries. Despite this, he insists that England should submit their application to host the World Cup.
Additionally, Blatter shared his concerns over the recent expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, suggesting this growth threatens the tournament’s quality. He referenced the risk of a future scenario resembling grand slam tennis where participation could increase beyond 128 teams, thereby undermining the experience for fans.
He cautioned that while FIFA may currently benefit from a vast audience, there is a limit to how much football can expand in terms of players, money, and facilities without compromising the sport’s integrity. The sustainability of football’s growth may one day plateau, leading to challenges for its long-term viability.
Sepp Blatter’s remarks underscore the ongoing dialogue about World Cup hosting rights and the implications of broader tournament expansions. He argues for England’s rightful claim to a future World Cup hosting opportunity, given its historical contributions to the sport. Furthermore, concerns over climate impact and human rights in relation to upcoming tournaments continue to provoke critical discussions within the football community.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
