Overview
- Former Germany captain Philipp Lahm published a column in Die Zeit on Tuesday that says “the World Cup is being sold out” and that fans are growing uneasy with FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino.
- Lahm accused FIFA of hiding true ticket‑demand figures to maximise revenue and criticised high ticket prices that make attending matches harder for ordinary supporters.
- He condemned FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup and proposals for a World Cup every two years as adding matches to an already crowded calendar and increasing physical strain on players.
- Lahm nevertheless praised FIFA’s move to a 48‑team World Cup, saying the format gives smaller nations like Scotland, DR Congo and Cape Verde a rare platform to shine.
- His column adds a high‑profile voice to ongoing scrutiny of FIFA’s governance and operations, joining other concerns this month about ticketing, logistics and renewed legal challenges to leadership.