Blatter criticizes FIFA and the World Cup for losing credibility and being influenced by politics

Swiss Joseph Sepp Blatter, former President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), launched a sharp attack on the 2026 World Cup that ended recently, criticizing at the same time the current administration of the International Federation of Football.

The longest World Cup tournament ended with the participation of 48 teams, which resulted in an increase in the number of matches to 104 matches.

Blatter said through his account on the “X” platform: “The longest World Cup tournament ended with the crowning of the deserving champion, but on the way to the final whistle, the tournament lost its credibility.”

He added: “Politics should not be allowed to overshadow the game.”

The Swiss official, who headed FIFA from June 1998 until December 2015, said: “It is now up to the fans, players and national federations to return football to its roots under new leadership.”

The FIFA elections are scheduled to be held during the 77th FIFA Congress, which will be held next March 18, in Rabat, Morocco.

Current President Gianni Infantino has officially announced his intention to run for a new term during the 2026 FIFA Congress.