The idea of staging the World Cup every two years, according to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and European Clubs’ Association (ECA) chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, would “dilute” the tournament.
Following a proposal from the Saudi Arabian football association in May, Fifa is conducting a feasibility study into a biennial men’s and women’s World Cup.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is leading the consultation process.
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“The World Cup’s gem had value exactly because of its uniqueness,” Ceferin explained.
“Holding it every two years will lead to greater randomisation, less validity, and unfortunately, dilute the World Cup itself,” he said in front of 160 club delegates at the General Assembly of the European Clubs’ Association in Geneva.
Since its inception in 1930, the men’s World Cup has been held after every four-year gap, with the exception of 1942 and 1946 due to World War II.
Since 1991, the women’s tournament has been held every four years.
Wenger calls for World Cup every two years
In May, Wenger, Fifa’s chief of global football development, stated that he wants the World Cup and European Championship to be held every two years, with Fifa “kicking out the remainder.”
Infantino did not reference the World Cup in his own video speech. However, he stated that the international calendar needs a “fundamental” rethink with “no taboo themes.”
He stated of Wenger’s conversation, “We should not take it as any sort of challenge and fight.” “It’s a method to strengthen world football.” We need to provide even more reasons for fans to embrace our sport.” Fifa’s door is always open to new ideas and proposals.”
