Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has criticized the decision by world soccer’s governing body to hold the World Cup in six countries across three continents. Morocco, Spain, and Portugal were named hosts of the 2030 tournament, while Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will also host the opening matches to mark the tournament’s centenary, FIFA said in a surprise announcement on Wednesday.
Sepp Blatter, who was FIFA President from 1998 to 2015, before being forced out after a corruption investigation, criticized the decision. He told Swiss newspaper SonntagsBlick, “It is absurd to tear the tournament apart in this way.” Blatter emphasized the importance of the World Cup finals being a compact event for the identity of the event, organization, and visitors.
FIFA has stated that the majority of games will be held in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, in order to reduce the environmental impact of the tournament. World soccer’s ruling body said, “For 101 games, the tournament will be played in a footprint of neighboring countries in close geographic proximity and with extensive and well-developed transport links and infrastructure.” Additionally, three games will take place in South America to mark the 100th year of the tournament.
Blatter, once one of soccer’s most powerful figures, had previously criticized FIFA for awarding the 2022 tournament to Qatar, stating that the Middle East country was too small. He believes that the 2030 tournament should take place exclusively in South America, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the first event hosted and won by Uruguay. Blatter expressed this sentiment to the newspaper.
Overall, Blatter’s criticism revolves around the decision to hold the World Cup in multiple countries across different continents, emphasizing the importance of a compact event for the identity and organization of the tournament. He believes that the 2030 tournament should be exclusively held in South America to commemorate the centenary of the first World Cup.
