Article by GSP.RO – Published Thursday, June 11, 2026 9:12 p.m. / Updated Thursday, June 11, 2026 9:23 p.m.
Well-known TV presenter Dan Negru launched a manifesto against FIFA shortly before the start of the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
The biggest World Championship in history starts on Thursday evening, with the duel between Mexico and South Africa.
Dan Negru vehemently criticized FIFA's decision to increase the format of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, accusing the world forum of “greed”.
Dan Negru, manifest message against FIFA before the start of the World Cup: “The end of the sport called “football” begins tonight”
“The end of the sport called “soccer” begins tonight. Our grandchildren will no longer be allowed to play sports with winners and losers. They will all be equal… The communist ideal. The first world championship without meritocracy starts today. “Football players from all countries, unite!” it could become FIFA's proletarian slogan.
Curacao and Iraq to have the same chances as Spain or Brazil. In the stadium, as on social networks: all equal. Curacao is a country with only 150,000 inhabitants and plays in the World Championship.
Now there are 48 teams, but in the future there will be 64. It is the longest World Cup in history, because of the greed for money. In the classic format there were 64 matches. Now I'm 104. The joy of rarity is gone. FIFA stole Ceaușescu's idea: at the “Singing of Romania”, all the people fit on the stage.
If football is still the king sport, then let FIFA know that a king does not beg for attention. He imposes it. A king does not squander his worth just to entertain the masses. He has buffoons for that.
This World Championship will show us where the red line is between the excitement of sport and sport turned into a corporation where only profit matters. His success will feed greed. His failure will feed the passion. I hope it will be a failure, so that football remains a passion. And because greed is the greatest poverty!”, was the message posted by Dan Negru on his personal Instagram account.
PHOTO GALLERY. Mexicans enjoy the World Cup! Images captured by GSP reporters on the day of the debut match
Romania is not among the 48 teams starting at the World Championship. The “Tricolori” have not qualified since 1998, the edition hosted by France.
