FIFA will be considering the possibility of holding the World Cup every two years instead of four, for both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
The body will be launching a feasibility study into the ramifications of such a move after a proposal was brought to light by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) at the annual congress.
The next edition of the World Cup will be played next year in Qatar while the women’s tournament will go ahead in 2023 in Australia/New Zealand.
“We believe the future of football is at a critical juncture. The many issues that football has faced have now been further exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. It is important to review how the global game is structured, which should include whether the current four-year cycle remains the optimum basis for how football is managed both from a competition and a commercial perspective as well as overall football development,” Goal.com quoted SAFF president Yasser Al-Misehal as saying.
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“Having fewer yet more meaningful competitive national team matches could potentially address concerns regarding player welfare whilst at the same time enhancing the value and merit of such competitions,” he added.
However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said that the investigation would not be rushed.
“We have to go into these studies with an open mind but we are not going to take decisions which will jeopardise what we are [already] doing. We know about the value of the World Cup, believe me,” said Infantino.
“I would like to put this discussion in a much broader context, that of the international match calendar. Are we really convinced that playing qualifying games [across the year] is the right way when we are saying that fans want more meaningful games?
“All these points have to be considered. But we will put the sporting element as the top priority, not the commercial element,” he added.
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COMMENTS
… Welcome development. The only constant thing in life is change. Ride on FIFA.
… In another delighting news… Chidozie Awaziem has been officially acquired by Boavista after helping them avoid relegation this season and posting series of commanding displays including captaining the side on several occasions… Shows the young man has innate leadership qualities, now my believe is that after Boavista acquired him for Euro 5.00Mille would they not want Awaziem who potentially at 24yrs command a high resale value to get all the international exposures going forward that he can get? I do not think if he asked to be allowed to grace the friendly against Mexico in the USA, a team like Boavista who will be willing to do all they can to help grow his market value in a bid to cashout big when other bigger clubs come for him in the future will say no and rebuff our Coach/NFF… It will even be wonderful to see a player like Awaziem starting in Central Defence against a top team like Mexico… I am all for the positives the Mexico friendly can allow us… let’s see Shehu start, if Etebo is willing to be part, pair them as pivot… there is a guy being talked about in Belgium who is being compared to Patrick Vierra in style… Oladoye of Gent FC. Let’s see such a guy in 25minutes… you will be surprised how handing such a guy a cap now will transform his growth and development giving Superman beliefs because we actually need talented midfielders especially the tricky DM role to deputize for Ndidi and help us have an assured future promise in those key areas in the pitch. Up SuperEagles… Up NigeriaFootball. One love…
Not a bad idea. It will give room for an African country to win it.
That idea can never fly, a world cup every other year means there would perpetually be qualifying matches for Afcon, Euro and World Cup all round the year, plus club domestic and continental games. That means subjecting the players to increased number of games over a short period of time,obviously it will brood more injuries and all. Besides, that World Cup value and cravings may diminish some what.
My personal opinion though