December 04, (THEWILL) – According to a report commissioned by domestic leagues throughout the world, FIFA’s proposed overhaul of the football calendar, which would see a World Cup every two years rather than four, would be detrimental for fans and players.
FIFA has recommended lengthier and less frequent international breaks during which players are released from their clubs, as well as an expansion of the Club World Cup.
Domestic leagues are adamantly opposed to all of these. Their chairman Enrique Bonilla said: “The (World Leagues Forum) requests FIFA to unequivocally abandon its biennial World Cup proposal as it is unwanted by fans and would destroy value for football at every level.
“Moreover, no decision on the match calendar can be made without the agreement of the leagues, their member clubs and the players that provide the foundations for football.”
FIFA gained the upper hand to expand World Cups from 32 to 48 teams and wants to stretch its luck with the biennial project. Obviously, FIFA would earn more money if there were twice as many World Cups and it is believed to be one of its major rationale for the change.
There is also the added benefit that biennial World Cups could also provide more opportunity for nations that seldom, if ever, qualify for FIFA tournaments. And, these nations are eligible to vote on the organisation’s recommendations.
However, this report follows a recent analysis commissioned by domestic leagues that found that holding a World Cup every two years would create an $8 billion hole in club finances, which has emboldened domestic leagues to oppose FIFA’s proposals.
About the Author
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.
