Former Germany captain Philipp Lahm has launched a strong attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing world football’s governing body of damaging the sport’s credibility.
Writing in a column for German newspaper Die Zeit, the 2014 World Cup winner claimed football’s biggest tournament is increasingly being driven by commercial interests.
“The World Cup is being sold out,” Lahm wrote.
“This robs football of its credibility and supporters are beginning to feel uncomfortable. It is becoming harder and harder to separate FIFA from the tournament itself.”
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Concerns over player workload
Lahm also criticised FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, arguing the competition is placing an even greater physical strain on players.
The former Bayern Munich defender questioned the growing number of matches in the calendar and warned about the long-term impact on fitness and recovery.
He also voiced frustration over continuing discussions surrounding the possibility of staging the World Cup every two years rather than every four.
“A tournament needs time to breathe,” Lahm said.
“It requires preparation and reflection afterwards if it is to leave a lasting impression.”
Ticket prices and fan concerns
The 42-year-old additionally joined criticism surrounding ticket prices at this summer’s World Cup.
Lahm suggested FIFA had failed to present an accurate picture of demand while prioritising revenue generation.
“FIFA stands accused of not providing honest figures regarding ticket demand and instead using the situation to maximise income,” he wrote.
The issue of affordability has become a major talking point during the tournament, with supporters voicing concerns over rising costs for travel, accommodation and match tickets.
Despite his criticism, Lahm acknowledged that FIFA had made positive decisions in some areas.
He praised the expanded 48-team World Cup format for giving more nations the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.
Lahm pointed to countries such as Scotland, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cape Verde as examples of teams now able to create memorable stories at the tournament.
Long-standing criticism of Infantino
This is not the first time Lahm has publicly criticised Infantino.
During the 2022 World Cup, the former defender questioned the FIFA president’s “integrity” amid controversy surrounding the tournament in Qatar.
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