The Fifa biopic 'United Passions,' released a decade ago, is revisited on its 10-year anniversary. Despite being the lowest-grossing film in US history at the time and receiving scathing reviews, former Fifa president Sepp Blatter expresses no regrets. The film's release coincided with corruption charges against Fifa members, cementing its reputation as a symbol of hubris. Blatter denies involvement in the script and acknowledges the film's lack of success, contrasting its reception in Russia with that in the US.
The worst sports movie in history? I asked Sepp Blatter about Fifa’s United Passions
FifaSepp BlatterFootball politicsSports
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Fifa biopic 'United Passions,' released a decade ago, is revisited on its 10-year anniversary. Despite being the lowest-grossing film in US history at the time and receiving scathing reviews, former Fifa president Sepp Blatter expresses no regrets. The film's release coincided with corruption charges against Fifa members, cementing its reputation as a symbol of hubris. Blatter denies involvement in the script and acknowledges the film's lack of success, contrasting its reception in Russia with that in the US.
Trending- 1 Film 'United Passions' released a decade ago, opening in the US 10 years ago this week.
- 2 14 Fifa members were indicted on corruption charges just days before the film’s US release.
- 3 The film made £140,000 at the box office only in Russia.
- 4 Blatter was recently cleared of fraud by a Swiss court.
- 5 Fifa is launching its 32-team Club World Cup in the US this weekend.
- Film became the lowest grossing in US history at the time of its release
- Film became a byword for hubris and excess
- Negative critical reception and public backlash
- Blatter was recently cleared of fraud by a Swiss court
What: The 10-year anniversary of the Fifa biopic 'United Passions,' its historical box office failure and critical reception, and former Fifa president Sepp Blatter's reflections on the film.
When: A decade ago (film release), 10 years ago this week (US opening), days before US release (corruption indictments), now (10-year anniversary, interview), next year (Blatter turns 90), recently (Blatter cleared of fraud).
Where: US (film release, box office), Russia (box office), Philadelphia, Phoenix (US cities where tickets were sold), Cannes film festival (premiere), Argentina (1978 World Cup context), Switzerland (Blatter cleared by court).
Why: The film was widely panned for its quality and perceived as propaganda, especially given the corruption scandals surrounding Fifa at the time of its release. Blatter's comments provide insight into the organization's perspective and the differing global reception.
How: The article details the film's box office performance, critical reviews, and an interview with Sepp Blatter conducted through his spokesperson, Thomas Renggli. It also contrasts the film's failure with current Fifa events like the Club World Cup.