Phillip Lahm, the former captain of Germany's World Cup-winning team, has voiced strong criticism against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of compromising the integrity of the World Cup. In a recent column for a German publication, Lahm expressed his discontent with the escalating ticket prices, stating, "The World Cup is being sold out."

Concerns Over Ticket Pricing and Tournament Structure

Lahm, who led Germany to victory in the 2014 World Cup, emphasized that these high prices undermine the sport's credibility, making fans feel disconnected from FIFA and the tournament itself. He also criticized the recent expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup to 32 teams, which he believes negatively impacts player fitness.

He further accused FIFA of not being transparent about ticket demand for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, suggesting that the organization is prioritizing profit over honesty.

Additionally, Lahm expressed his frustration with the idea of hosting the World Cup every two years, arguing that proper preparation and follow-up are essential for the tournament's lasting significance.

Positive Remarks on 48-Team World Cup

Despite his criticisms, Lahm acknowledged FIFA's decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams, highlighting the inspiring stories emerging from players representing nations like Curacao, Cape Verde, Scotland, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He noted that FIFA is "doing a lot of things right" in this regard.

Lahm had previously criticized Infantino during the 2022 World Cup, questioning his integrity.