Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has claimed that Africa will not host a World Cup again shortly after South Africa 13 years ago.
- Blatter named South Africa as the best hosts of the World Cup
- Former FIFA chief no longer sees continent as host
- Blatter pointed out the high cost of organizing a tournament
WHAT HAPPENED? Blatter praised South Africa for hosting the ‘best World Cup’ in 2010, but believes no African country has the ability to host the world tournament again, at least not anytime soon.
The former FIFA boss says the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams means only countries with deep pockets can host it and no one country can carry the load either.
South Africa reportedly spent $7.2 billion to host the 2010 tournament which Spain won, while Qatar, which hosted the 2022 edition, is estimated to have shelled out $220 billion, the most expensive World Cup in the world. history.
WHAT DID HE SAY? “Africa and South Africa hosted the best World Cup ever because it was done with a big heart and everyone was happy,” Blatter told Marawa Sports Worldwide.
“Unfortunately, there will not be another World Cup in Africa in my lifetime.”
“With 48 teams in the world, you need more than one country to host a World Cup, which is totally wrong. The movements that occur in soccer are towards Asia and the Arab countries because there is a lot of money.
“Europe must never forget what they did to Africa with the colonies. So, it’s time to give something back. To give another world there [Africa] it would be good.”
THE LARGEST PHOTOGRAPH: The 2010 World Cup was praised for providing a different feel, showcasing the best of African culture with Ghana being the most prominent team on the continent after coming close to reaching the semi-final.
Morocco is the only African country to have expressed an interest in hosting the World Cup, submitting a joint bid for the 2018 tournament that went to Russia before going solo for the 2026 event, which was won jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico. .
However, the North Africans have not given up and still have intentions of hosting the 2030 World Cup together with their neighbors Spain and Portugal.
WHATS NEXT? The 2030 World Cup cannot be held in Asia or North America, after the selection of Qatar for 2022, and Canada, Mexico and the United States for 2026, leaving Africa, Europe and South America in the race.
