Football belongs to the people. Former FIFA president Blatter criticizes
According to Championat.
Context
Joseph Blatter, former president of FIFA, led the organization for 17 years and is a controversial figure in football. His current criticism reflects concerns about the direction FIFA is taking under Gianni Infantino, especially in relation to the commercialization of the World Cup, which Blatter considers a cultural heritage that must be protected and developed for the people.
Why this matters
Sepp Blatter's criticism of FIFA's plans highlights a growing tension between the commercialization of football and its essence as a public good. Blatter's view suggests that the integrity of the 2026 World Cup and football in general could be compromised if FIFA prioritizes profits over the game's development. This debate is crucial as it involves the future of football and the way it is managed globally.
Main conclusions
- Football belongs to the people. Former FIFA president Blatter criticizes.
- Joseph Blatter criticized FIFA's plans for the commercialization of the World Cup, stating that football belongs to the people and must be developed for everyone, not just investors.
- Футбол принадлежит народу. Экс-глава ФИФА Блаттер осудил планы федерации - Чемпионат.
Former FIFA president, Joseph Blatter, spoke out vehemently against the organization's new plans, which aim to establish a subsidiary structure and attract external investors to manage the World Cup. This initiative comes from the current FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, who intends to implement a new company responsible for organizing the tournament, called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). This company, according to FIFA, will aim to consolidate the federation's commercial activities and the organization of tournaments.
Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years, used strong words to express his concerns, stating: "Football does not belong to a specific person or organization — it belongs to the people. If FIFA becomes a profit-centered corporate structure, it will lose its essence. The Football World Cup is not a commercial asset in the hands of a small group of managers, but rather a part of the cultural heritage of world football."
The former president highlighted the importance of FIFA playing the role of guardian of the World Cup, rather than becoming its owner, highlighting that this is a fundamental difference that should not be changed. Blatter defended that the benefits of football should be directed towards the development of the game itself, from the amateur categories to the top international competitions, and should not be handed over to external investors who seek only profit.
Blatter's criticism comes at a time when world football is facing a growing challenge related to excessive commercialization, leading many to question whether the interests of fans and players are being put on the back burner in favor of financial profitability. His statements were cited by Reuters, reflecting a sentiment shared by many who believe that football should be a common good, accessible to everyone and not just a financial elite.
Thus, the discussion about the future of football and its management continues, with many hoping that the voices of figures like Blatter are heard and that the true spirit of the sport is preserved, for the benefit of all football lovers.
What happens next
With the implementation of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) under the leadership of Gianni Infantino, FIFA may face resistance from influential figures such as Blatter. The future of the World Cup and FIFA's governance structure could be shaped by this conflict, with potential repercussions on football investment and development policies. The football community will need to closely monitor how these changes will affect access and inclusion in the sport.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Joseph Blatter?
Joseph Blatter criticized FIFA's new plans that aim to establish a subsidiary structure to attract external investors to manage the World Cup.
Who confirmed FIFA's new plans?
The new plans were confirmed by the current FIFA president, Gianni Infantino.
Why did Blatter speak out now?
Blatter has now spoken out due to the growing challenge of excessive commercialization in football and concerns about the essence of the game.
What changes are being proposed by FIFA?
FIFA proposes the creation of a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to consolidate its collective activities
commercials and organize tournaments.
What does Blatter defend in relation to football?
Blatter argues that football belongs to the people and that benefits should be directed to the development of the game, not to external investors.