Blatter criticises FIFA for awarding World Cup to Saudi Arabia instead of England and expanding the tournament

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter expressed that England ought to have secured the rights to host a World Cup before 2038, particularly ahead of Saudi Arabia, which has been granted the tournament in 2034. Blatter made these remarks on Tuesday.

“England has made significant contributions to the sport of football and deserves recognition,” Blatter stated in an interview with Reuters. “Since 1966, they have been striving to bring the World Cup back home, and it’s disappointing that they have not succeeded.”

“They should have been awarded the tournament prior to Saudi Arabia, but the process was orchestrated cleverly to minimise opposition,” he added.

FIFA confirmed Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup during an uncontested selection process last December, alongside Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, who were chosen to co-host the 2030 tournament, which will also feature a few matches in South America.

However, these decisions have faced criticism, particularly regarding the 2030 plan, which has been challenged by climate activists for the heightened emissions resulting from travel spanning three continents.

Concerns have also been raised regarding Saudi Arabia’s bid for 2034, particularly due to its arid climate and the country’s human rights record. This echoes criticisms previously aimed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, though Saudi Arabia denies any suppression of rights.

This scenario leaves 2038 as the next potential opportunity for England to host its second World Cup, having last done so in 1966 when they won the tournament.

Blatter voiced apprehension about the growing influence of Middle Eastern countries in sports such as football and Formula 1, where substantial investments have been made. Nonetheless, he encouraged England to make another bid for the World Cup. “They should get back on the map and apply again,” the 88-year-old urged.

Blatter, who was ousted from FIFA amid a corruption scandal in 2015, also expressed concern over the increasing size of the World Cup, suggesting it diminishes the tournament’s quality.

The upcoming event in the United States, Mexico, and Canada is set to feature 48 teams, a rise from the 32 that competed in the 2022 tournament.

“It has become excessively large,” he commented. “Will it turn into something akin to grand slam tennis, where everyone qualifies for the World Cup? What’s next – 128 teams?”

“I’ve always maintained that there are too many teams, which affects the overall quality. The spectators are the ones who suffer.”

Blatter warned that relentless expansion could ultimately harm the integrity of the sport.

“As long as football has 2 billion followers, FIFA believes everything is fine,” the Swiss national noted. “But there will come a time when it has to stop – you cannot just keep expanding football, increasing the number of players, money, spectators, and stadiums.”