Former Germany captain Philipp Lahm has launched a strong attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accusing world footballs governing body of damaging the sports credibility.Writing in a column for German newspaper Die Zeit, the 2014 World Cup winner claimed footballs 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.Table of ContentsConcerns over player workloadTicket prices and fan concernsLong-standing criticism of InfantinoConcerns over player workloadLahm also criticised FIFAs 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 concernsThe 42-year-old additionally joined criticism surrounding ticket prices at this summers 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 footballs 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 InfantinoThis is not the first time Lahm has publicly criticised Infantino.During the 2022 World Cup, the former defender questioned the FIFA presidents integrity amid controversy surrounding the tournament in Qatar. Topics Germany National Football Team Gianni Infantino Philipp Lahm Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Haaland eyes France decider: Ill definitely get criticism Ben Miller 23rd June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full list of confirmed teams, fixtures, groups and results Ben Miller 23rd June, 2026 Nagelsmann says Germany will miss defender enormously as injury blow confirmed Nicholas McGee 22nd June, 2026 Germany suffer World Cup injury blow as defender ruled out of rest of tournament Nicholas McGee 22nd June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast report, result, goals as Undav double sinks spirited Elephants 101 GreatGoals 20th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Ivory Coast leading Germany as Liverpool target impresses 101 GreatGoals 20th June, 2026
