Johan Derksen Criticises FIFA World Cup Organisation as Elite Sport

Former Dutch football analyst Johan Derksen has publicly condemned FIFA’s handling of the ongoing World Cup, labeling the organisation ashamed after a string of incidents that, in his view, have transformed the sport from a popular pastime into an elite, profit‑driven enterprise. Derksen highlighted that a Somali referee was barred from participating in the tournament. He described the exclusion as one of several irregularities that have marred the event. He also pointed out that Iranian players were forced to depart the competition quickly. According to Derksen, the swift exit exemplifies the lack of hospitality for certain national teams.

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Derksen suggested that supporters of Cape Verde may have been denied entry to the stadium. He questioned how such restrictions align with the tournament’s inclusive promises. The analyst argued that FIFA now treats football as a revenue model. He claimed the governing body has succeeded in converting a people’s sport into an elite sport. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is currently occupied with World Cup affairs. Infantino is seeking re‑election as FIFA president in 2027 and has already secured a large portion of the required votes. Derksen urged viewers to watch the latest Studio Oranje programme, which covers the Cape Verde incident, the crisis involving Tunisia, and updates from the Dutch national team camp.