Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticizes proposal to sell World Cup stake

Sepp Blatter, who led FIFA for 17 years before stepping down in 2015, publicly condemned a recent FIFA proposal that he said would distance football further from its supporters. The plan, unveiled by the governing body’s executive committee, calls for a major overhaul of the World Cup format, expanding the tournament to 48 teams and increasing the number of matches to be played across a broader geographic footprint. Blatter argued that the changes prioritize commercial interests over the “people’s game,” warning that the added fixtures could dilute the competition’s quality and strain fans’ ability to attend matches.

The proposal has sparked debate among national associations, players’ unions and broadcasters, with some endorsing the potential for greater global representation while others echo Blatter’s concerns about logistical challenges and fan accessibility. FIFA officials maintain that the expanded format aims to increase inclusivity and generate additional revenue to fund development programs worldwide. As the organization prepares to vote on the amendment at its upcoming congress, the controversy highlights the ongoing tension between commercial growth and preserving football’s traditional connection with its fan base.