Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticized plans to expand the World Cup while accusing his successor Gianni Infantino of showing contempt.
The present 32-team format of football’s preeminent competition will not be used in the Qatar 2022 edition; instead, 48 nations will compete in the 2026 edition.
Since taking over for Blatter as the leader of FIFA, Infantino has advocated for growth and has looked into making the World Cup a biannual or triennial event.
However, his predecessor claims he is not acting in the sport’s best interests.
“What is happening at the moment is an over-commercialisation of the game,” he told German newspaper Die Ziet. “[It is] trying to squeeze more and more out of the lemon.
“[Look at] the World Cup with 48 teams, or a Club World Cup that must be viewed as competition to the UEFA Champions League. FIFA is meddling in something that doesn’t really concern them.
“I have no relationship with Infantino. He behaved disrespectfully because he has refused any contact with me since his election. He only communicates with me through lawyers.”
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Infantino returned to an expansion that had been delayed by the COVID-19 outbreak earlier this month by announcing plans for a 32-team Club World Cup.
The idea is still awaiting confederation approval, and numerous elite teams are expected to object, especially in light of the failed European Super League breakaway.