Blatter raises the alarm: Football now belongs to Saudi Arabia!

Blatter raises the alarm: Football now belongs to Saudi Arabia!

In a current interview, Sepp Blatter, former President of FIFA, has had a clear criticism of the current leadership of the football association under Gianni Infantino. According to Blatter, both FIFA and people in football have lost Saudi Arabia. He is concerned about FIFA's close relationships with the state that will host the 2034 World Cup. His concerns include the spectacular participation of the Saudi Arabian State Fund PIF, which is involved in the financing of the upcoming World Cup in the USA, as well as his investments in DAZN, which has acquired the transfer rights for the event for $ 1 billion. Blatter describes the development as "unhealthy and cheeky" and calls for a greater protection of the interests of the players.

The criticisms attached by Blatter also include the lack of opposition within FIFA, which he compares with his term in office. During his time as President from 1998 to 2016, there were still congresses in which important topics were discussed. Nowadays, on the other hand, he criticizes the electronic implementation of such congresses, in which there is hardly any room for a real discussion. Blatter also does a swipe at Infantino, which appeared as a congress in Paraguay, and asks the question of whether the club World Cup actually benefits football, since in his opinion there is already an oversupply of football. He demands that the health of the players are valued and protected.

criticism of the club world championship and the FIFA

Blatter's criticism of the club world championship is not new. His impression is that this event does not benefit football. With his statements in an interview with RTL/NTV, he is disappointed with the state of football, especially against the background of the changes that he played a key role in shaping during his own term. Under his leadership, crucial World Cup rates took place, including the controversial awarded to Russia and Qatar in 2010. After this double award, FIFA announced that this procedure was relieved of this procedure, which was again questioned under Infantino. The regulation, which has now been re-enacted, to award WMS to several countries represents another example of the inability of FIFA policy.

Given the upcoming World Cup 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2026, economic aspects play an important role. A study by FIFA and the WTO predicts an estimated number of viewers of 3.7 million and a possible contribution to the global gross domestic product of $ 21.1 billion in the USA. In the United States, a gross generating value of $ 17.1 billion is expected, which also includes the creation of around 105,000 jobs during this period. These figures come from comprehensive analyzes on the socio -economic effect of such major events as FIFA and WTO in its publications.

outlook for future football events

For the FIFA World Cup 2026, a number of viewers of 6.5 million in the host countries is expected, which leads to a possible contribution to the gross domestic product of $ 40.9 billion. This shows the immense economic importance of such tournaments and illustrates why large investments on the part of FIFA and its partners are necessary, even if there are voices that question the way these investments come about. Blatter is in his judgment on the development of football and the influences from outside, especially Saudi Arabic intervention policy, is sure that the game culture and the health of the players are in a critical condition.

The voices of Blatter meet an open ear with many who worry about the future of football. While great discussions about the financing flows and the commercialization of sport relax, the question remains in the room how football can remain authentic and attractive in the global arena. The next steps of FIFA will be crucial to ensure both sporting integrity and economic success.

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OrtSaudi-Arabien, Saudi-Arabien
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