Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has continued his criticism of the current federation, this time over changes related to the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
Blatter objected to extending the halftime break of the final match to 25 minutes, due to a huge entertainment show being held during this period, considering this step a departure from the identity of traditional football.
Blatter wrote on his X platform account: "Water breaks were just the beginning. On Sunday we will witness the longest halftime break in World Cup history. The World Cup final is turning into a Super Bowl imitation... Where is FIFA headed?"
Blatter believes that introducing large entertainment elements into the final match reflects a new trend within FIFA towards increasing the entertainment and commercial aspects at the expense of the game's privacy.
This was not the first time Blatter had criticized FIFA during the tournament, as he had previously attacked the decision to lift the suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun after he received a red card, an issue that sparked widespread controversy due to US President Donald Trump's announcement that he had asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the decision.
Blatter said at the time that disciplinary decisions should be based on laws, evidence and independent bodies, adding that football "should not become a playground for political power."
Blatter's remarks come amid a wide debate about the future of football, between those who believe that FIFA is seeking to develop the game and increase its global reach, and those who fear that commercial and exhibitionist changes will cause the tournament to lose part of its historical identity.
