Meunier accuses United States World Cup of capitalism and money

Thomas Meunier, Belgian defender of Sunderland, has in an interview with The Athletic harshly criticised how the World Cup in the United States was organised, stating that the tournament was driven by capitalism, entertainment and money instead of football.

Meunier believes that football was not the top priority during the tournament and calls it the ‘dark side of traditional football’. He emphasises that the lack of focus on the game has poisoned the entire experience.

‘I think this event is symbolic of the whole tournament, driven by capitalism, entertainment and money’, says Meunier. With that statement he highlights the commercial drivers that, in his view, undermine the sport.

Balogun incident revealed

In the same interview Meunier raises the notable situation concerning Folarin Balogun. The American received a suspension for the knockout match against Belgium after a red card, but it was later withdrawn. With that withdrawal he was still able to play.

Belgium won that encounter convincingly 4‑1, but Meunier remains dissatisfied with the way things were handled. He says the incident is symbolic of a tournament where football was not the top priority.

USA as host nation under fire

Nevertheless, Meunier has no problem with the United States as host nation; he acknowledges that America has the infrastructure to host a World Cup every year, provided the focus remains on football. ‘This World Cup was the dark side of traditional football’, he concludes.