Blatter Advocates for England’s World Cup Hosting Rights Over Saudi Arabia

Sepp Blatter argued that England should have been awarded the World Cup hosting rights before Saudi Arabia, which is set to host in 2034. He criticized the decision process and expressed concerns over the increased influence of the Middle East in sports and the expanded size of the World Cup, which he believes may compromise quality.

In a recent statement, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter expressed that England should have been awarded the hosting rights for the World Cup prior to Saudi Arabia, which is set to host the tournament in 2034. Blatter emphasized that England has contributed significantly to football since 1966 and deserves recognition for its efforts in securing the World Cup.

He lamented the process by which the decision was made, suggesting it was orchestrated skillfully to avoid opposition. FIFA’s decision to grant Saudi Arabia the 2034 tournament has encountered criticism, particularly regarding the nation’s climate and human rights record, which resemble the controversies faced by the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Blatter urged England to reapply for the World Cup hosting rights, stating that they should be proactive in seeking the opportunity again. He also expressed concern over the expanding influence of Middle Eastern nations in sports like football and Formula 1 due to substantial investments.

Additionally, Blatter critiqued the increased number of teams in the World Cup, which has expanded to 48 teams in the upcoming tournament. He fears that such expansion dilutes the quality of the games, suggesting that it could lead to a situation where the tournament loses its appeal to spectators.

He remarked on the potential consequences of constant expansion, warning that while football currently enjoys a massive following, there may be limits to its growth. He questioned whether the sport could sustain its development amidst increasing numbers, finances, and facilities.

In summary, Sepp Blatter contends that England deserved to host the World Cup before Saudi Arabia and emphasizes its strong historical ties to football. He raises concerns over the expanding influence of Middle Eastern nations and the size of the World Cup, suggesting that greater expansion may harm the quality and enjoyment of the sport. Blatter ultimately encourages England to pursue hosting rights once again.

Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com