Sepp Blatter harshly criticizes Saudi Arabia’s dominance in world football

According to Bolasport.com, Sepp Blatter has launched sharp criticism against FIFA under Gianni Infantino’s leadership — claiming that football has “lost” to Saudi Arabian influence.

This criticism follows FIFA’s announcement of Saudi Arabia as the sole host for the 2034 World Cup last December — a decision that demonstrates the Middle Eastern nation’s dominance in global football.

Saudi Arabia’s influence has grown stronger through the Public Investment Fund (PIF) controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — a state wealth fund with assets reaching 941 billion US dollars.

PIF has made major expansions in football:

• Taking over four domestic clubs: Al Ahli, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Nassr
• Purchasing 85 percent of Newcastle United shares in the Premier League
• Investing substantial funds in domestic football development

This investment fund, established in 1971, has become one of Saudi Arabia’s main instruments in expanding its influence in international football.