UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin against FIFA’s plans of a biennial World Cup

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin- 03-12-2018
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin- 03-12-2018

UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has expressed his concerns about FIFA‘s plan to host the World Cup every two years.

Ceferin has also hit out at the lack of consultation from FIFA regarding their proposed plans for the World Cup.

According to reports, the national associations and clubs are completely against the idea of hosting a biennial World Cup and Ceferin’s intervention will only add momentum to the protests against FIFA’s plans.

Ceferin sent out a letter to Football Supporters Europe claiming: “UEFA and its national associations have serious reservations and grave concerns surrounding reports of Fifa’s plans. Allow me to assure you that UEFA stands with you and the fans on this important issue. We must work together to defend the interests of the game and reinforce the position of fans as key stakeholders.”

Hosting a World Cup every two years was initially proposed by Saudi Arabia earlier this year and the idea has been backed by former players like Michael Owen and Yaya Toure.

Furthermore, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also given his backing for the proposal. A decision could be taken as early as December.

It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds over the next few months now.

Hosting a World Cup every two years would not only be emotionally and financially taxing for the fans it would also undermine other international tournaments such as the Asian Cup, African Cup of Nations, Copa America, European Championships etc.

Why FIFA are in favour of a Biennial World Cup?

 Back in may, FIFA explained their reasoning behind hosting a World Cup every two years. Gianni Infantino claimed that it would substantially increase revenue opportunities for the footballing organisation and it would also allow countries outside Europe to play more meaningful matches.

Countries that fail to qualify for the World Cup have fewer opportunities to play meaningful games for the next four years and hosting a World Cup every two years would change that.