Former Germany captain Philipp Lahm has criticised FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino for prioritising commercial interests in football. In a column for Die Zeit, Lahm argued that the World Cup is losing credibility with fans due to these influences.
Lahm accused FIFA of selling out the tournament, stating that this approach robs football of its credibility. He noted that supporters are feeling increasingly uncomfortable and that it is becoming harder to separate FIFA from the event itself.
The 42-year-old also raised concerns about player workload from the expanded Club World Cup and ongoing talks about holding the World Cup every two years. He said a tournament needs time to breathe to leave a lasting impression.
Lahm joined criticism of high ticket prices at this summer’s World Cup, accusing FIFA of maximising income rather than providing honest figures on demand. Despite the criticism, he welcomed the 48-team format for allowing more nations like Scotland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cape Verde to participate.