FIFA President Gianni Infantino plans to make the lucrative World Cup a biennial event. This way, there will be a World Cup every year, alternating between men and women.
Former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger leaked the plans in French sports newspaper L’Equipe. The Frenchman, who is currently director of football development at FIFA, sees potential at the biennial World Cup. In turn, he would have preferred to see the League of Nations, the brainchild of UEFA, disappear.
For UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, the news came like a thunderbolt from heaven. The Slovenian is “deeply concerned,” according to his correspondence with Ronan Evin, CEO of Football Fans Europe.
“UEFA and its affiliates are deeply concerned about these plans,” Ceferin wrote. “Such reforms will have far-reaching consequences for international football.
“It is therefore surprising that FIFA has already launched a PR campaign to announce its wish list to the public, while the associations, affiliated football associations, leagues, clubs, players and coaches are completely unaware.”
It remains to be seen if FIFA can proceed with its plans. At the moment, the 2022 (Qatar) and 2026 (US, Mexico and Canada) versions have already been fixed. Still looking for a host country before 2030.
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