At the head of the project involving the establishment of a World Cup every two years, against four today, Arsène Wenger explained on this point Tuesday in Paris.
To discover
Qualifying rankings for the 2022 World Cup
The 2022 World Cup qualifying calendar
“
What I am proposing is to reduce the number of qualifying matches and group them together, to make space for an international competition at the end of the season and to make a real separation between club football and of selections. (…) Afterwards, for a World Cup every two years, it is true that there is reluctance ... Which I understand because there is an emotional part to it. We all grew up with a World Cup every four years, so the cycle seems natural. But looking at the story, it's not that natural ... I am nonetheless open to all suggestions and criticisms. They are "welcome" (smile). I do not make it a personal matter
", promises Arsène Wenger, assuring that"
could have a big competition every year (World Cup and Euro for example) with a guaranteed rest of 25 days behind
”.
To read also Perception of time, prestige, advantageous for the clubs… Wenger defends “his” World Cup every two years
De facto, less travel too. A key element of its pitch. “
Above all, over a four-year cycle, a South American player who plays in Europe, like Lionel Messi, travels 330,000 km by plane just to go and play matches. With my system, it only makes 130,000. However, we know, from the studies of doctors, that it is repeated trips, climatic shocks and time differences of more than three hours that tire players. Repeating all of this does more damage to organisms than matches! Obviously, when you add the matches ... For example, a player who plays in South America on Wednesday evening, in Europe, it is already Thursday morning. How do you want him to play on Saturday night in optimal conditions? It's impossible...
" Not false.
However, it will take more work to convince of the merits of such a reform.
“
There are advantages and disadvantages, but the important thing is that this project is on the table, it must be discussed.
And I say it very often: if people have better ideas, I am very open.
"
