Philipp Lahm criticizes FIFA and Manchester City over financial and ethical concerns

Former German national team captain and 2014 World Cup winner Philipp Lahm has issued a sharp critique regarding the current state of international football. Writing for the German weekly Die Zeit, Lahm expressed support for investigations into Manchester City regarding alleged financial rule violations. An independent commission found the club responsible for 114 breaches of Premier League financial regulations between 2009 and 2018, a finding the club is currently appealing.

Lahm also addressed the growing crisis of confidence surrounding FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The pressure on Infantino has intensified following several controversial decisions, including attempts to attract private investors to FIFA events, the awarding of a special peace prize to Donald Trump, and the decision to allow American player Folarin Balogun to play in a World Cup match despite a previous red card following a phone call between Trump and Infantino.

In response to these issues, UEFA has reportedly sent a list of 42 official questions to FIFA, demanding Infantino's immediate resignation. Despite this pressure, the Swiss president has indicated his intention to run for a new term in March.