Blatter: England Deserved World Cup Before Saudi Arabia

TDT | Manama

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Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter believes England should have hosted the World Cup before Saudi Arabia, arguing that the nation has been unfairly overlooked despite its rich footballing history.

Blatter Questions FIFA’s Process

Speaking to Reuters, Blatter expressed disappointment that England has not hosted the tournament since 1966. “They should have had it before Saudi Arabia,” he said, criticizing the way FIFA awarded the 2034 edition to the Gulf nation in an uncontested process.

In December, FIFA confirmed Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup host, while Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will jointly stage the 2030 tournament, with additional matches in South America. The decision faced backlash, particularly from climate activists who warned of excessive travel emissions across continents.

Concerns Over Saudi Arabia’s Bid

Saudi Arabia’s successful bid has also drawn scrutiny over its desert climate and human rights record, reminiscent of the criticism Qatar faced ahead of the 2022 World Cup. However, Saudi authorities have consistently denied allegations of rights suppression.

With 2038 now the next open slot, Blatter urged England to “wake up and apply again,” emphasizing the country’s contributions to global football.

Growing Influence of the Middle East

Blatter also voiced concerns about the increasing role of Middle Eastern nations in global sports, from football to Formula 1, as investment from the region continues to reshape the landscape.

Beyond hosting rights, he criticized FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams for the 2026 edition in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. “It’s become too big,” he warned. “What next—128 teams? The quality is not the same, and the spectators lose out.”

Blatter cautioned that the sport could suffer if expansion continues unchecked. “One day there will be a stop,” he said. “You can’t just keep adding more players, more money, more spectators, and more stadiums forever.”