FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stated that plans to host a World Cup every two years would generate an additional £3.3 billion in revenue.
The world football governing body have been pushing to hold a World Cup every two years, as opposed to the usual four. Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been at the centre of the proposal.
However, the response from the footballing world hasn’t been too welcoming of the idea. There has been widespread opposition from supporters for various reasons.
Some argue that hosting a World Cup every two years would dilute the competition’s significance.
Meanwhile, others have claimed that it would cause an even greater fixture pile-up, with concerns of overplaying and congestion already present.
But Infantino is persevering with the proposal. As quoted by the Guardian, FIFA’s president said: “It’s about opportunity for all. That is the fundamental principle of this project.”
Furthermore, he investigated the feasibility of a biennial World Cup and claimed that the project would create an additional £3.3bn in revenue every four years – a 62% increase on the current deal.
Wenger has also continued his public support for the proposal. The Frenchman said (via Sky Sports): “90% of this opposition is emotional and not facts. We have to get rid of this fear.
“There is a demand from the young fans, from society, for meaningful events. If we don’t create them, another sport will create them.”
The plans can only come to fruition should every confederation agree. UEFA have previously expressed their opposition, while CONMEBOL are also reportedly against the idea.
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