Sepp Blatter, who served as the president of FIFA for 17 years until 2015 has voiced strong opposition to the organization’s recent proposal to establish a $20bn subsidiary to oversee the World Cup and other events. Blatter argues that such a move would transform the tournament into a mere commercial asset stripping it of its cultural and historical significance.
The former FIFA chief, known for his long tenure and controversial tenure, made these remarks in an interview with Reuters on a Wednesday. He emphasized that football belongs to no individual and to no institution. It belongs to the people. Blatter’s criticism comes in response to FIFA’s announcement on the preceding Tuesday about its plans to create a subsidiary and offer up to 20 percent stakes to external investors.
Blatter’s Stance on FIFA’s Commercialization
Blatter’s primary concern is that the World Cup should not become an investment product for private equity. He believes that the tournament is a cultural heritage of world football and that FIFA is its guardian, not its owner. “The FIFA World Cup is not a commercial asset that belongs to a handful of executives,” he stated, emphasizing that the tournament’s soul would be lost if FIFA were to adopt a profit-oriented corporate structure.
The former president also expressed shock at the idea, stating that he would never have considered such a move during his tenure. He argued that investors pursuing influence and profits run contrary to the principles of associations that follow the interests of their members. “Modern football has survived for more than a century because it belongs to the people,” Blatter asserted, adding that this principle should never change.
The Reaction from European Football Authorities
FIFA’s proposal has sparked a furious response from European football authorities, including UEFA which accused FIFA of putting the game up for sale. The move has raised concerns about the potential commercialization of football and its impact on the sport’s integrity. Blatter’s criticism aligns with these concerns, as he believes that the World Cup should remain a cultural event rather than a commercial venture.
The former FIFA chief’s remarks come at a time when the organization is facing increased scrutiny over its governance and financial practices. Blatter himself has been embroiled in controversies, including allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement. Despite these challenges, he remains a prominent figure in the world of football and his views on the sport’s future continue to be influential.
Blatter’s Legacy and Current Status
Born on 10 March 1936 in VispValais Switzerland, Blatter has had a long and varied career in sports administration. He served as the general secretary of FIFA from June 1981 until his election as president in 1998. His tenure as president was marked by both achievements and controversies, including the expansion of participating teams in FIFA tournaments and the controversial awarding of the 2026 World Cup to Qatar.
Blatter’s presidency ended amidst a major corruption scandal that came to light in 2015. He was suspended from participating in FIFA activities and has been banned from taking part in any FIFA activities until . Despite his current status, Blatter’s insights into the future of football continue to be highly relevant, particularly his warnings against the commercialization of the sport.
As the debate over FIFA’s proposal continues, Blatter’s critique serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the cultural and historical significance of the World Cup. His call for the tournament to remain a people’s game rather than a commercial asset resonates with many football enthusiasts and authorities alike.
