Swiss former FIFA president Joseph Sepp Blatter launched a sharp attack on the recently concluded 2026 World Cup, while also criticizing the current administration of the international football federation.

The longest-ever World Cup tournament concluded with 48 teams participating, resulting in an increased number of matches reaching 104.

Blatter said via his account on platform 'X': 'The longest World Cup tournament has ended with the crowning of the deserved champion, but on the way to the final whistle, the tournament lost its credibility.'

He added: 'Politics should not be allowed to cast a shadow over the game.'

The Swiss official, who led FIFA from June 1998 to December 2015, said: 'It is now up to the fans, players, and national associations to bring football back to its roots under new leadership.'

The FIFA elections are scheduled to take place during the 77th FIFA Congress, to be held on March 18 next year in the city of Rabat, Morocco.

Current president Gianni Infantino has officially announced his intention to run for a new term during the 2026 FIFA Congress.