Blatter Critiques FIFA, Advocates England for 2038 World Cup Hosting

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has criticized the decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, asserting that England should have been granted hosting rights before the next available date in 2038. He highlighted England's long-standing efforts to host the tournament since 1966 and labeled the selection process for Saudi Arabia as strategically orchestrated to avoid opposition. Blatter also expressed concerns over the environmental impact of the upcoming 2030 World Cup, which will involve multiple continents, and the implications of Saudi Arabia's desert climate on the tournament. Additionally, he voiced worries regarding the growing influence of the Middle East in global sports, including football and Formula 1, and the dilution of the World Cup's quality due to its expansion to 48 teams. Despite his criticisms, Blatter encourages England to reapply for future World Cup hosting opportunities. His comments come amidst his ongoing legal battle to clear his name after his departure from FIFA in 2015 due to corruption charges.