November 26, (THEWILL) – At the Confederation of African Football’s Extraordinary General Assembly, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reaffirmed its support for biennial FIFA World Cups, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino implying that opponents are afraid of losing their position at the top of the sport.
The support CAF has shown for the biennial FIFA World Cup proposal was expected, after CAF President Patrice Motsepe claimed in September that the proposed change could benefit African football the most.
Following a presentation by FIFA’s chief of global development and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, the CAF General Assembly passed a resolution on Friday.
It read, in part: “CAF welcomes the FIFA Congress decision to conduct a feasibility study on hosting men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups every two years.
“If the FIFA study concludes it is feasible, CAF will fully support hosting the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup every two years.”
Wenger had previously told the CAF General Assembly that he believed biennial FIFA World Cups for men and women were realistic, as well as the need of annual youth tournaments, which he claimed would considerably promote African football.
European football’s governing body UEFA and the South American Football Confederation have both criticised FIFA’s feasibility study on switching from a standard four-year World Cup cycle to a biennial one.
A number of big European leagues have said unequivocally that they oppose the plans.
However, Infantino, who insisted that the process is still in the consultation stage, suggested that opponents were trying to keep their position at the top of the game.
“It is our responsibility to keep the dream open and give possibilities to everyone,” Infantino said. “Obviously when you debate and consult you find that some are in favour and others are against, this is democracy, this is healthy.
“It is understandable that those who are against are those at the top, it happens in every sector of life when there are reforms and changes, those who are at the top don’t want anything to change because they are at the top.
“And they are afraid that if something changes, their leadership position is at risk. We understand that and we complement and applaud them for having been so successful in reaching the top.
“This is fantastic, and they are an example for everyone. But, at the same time, we cannot close the door, we need to keep the door open, we need to give hope and opportunities for the entire world.”
Infantino pointed out that ten African teams are waiting for playoffs to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, with just half of them progressing and the rest having to wait until 2026.
He emphasised that additional opportunities for African football to thrive on the international scene, in both men’s and women’s football, were needed.
The CAF General Assembly also endorsed the continuation of research on the establishment of a Pan-African Super League for the continent’s best club teams.
The new league is expected to include 20 of Africa’s top club teams, which CAF believes will assist participants maximise revenue.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
