In a lively interview with
L'Equipe
, Arsène Wenger defends the idea of a World Cup and a European Football Championship organized every two years instead of four. “
The big idea, initially, is to group the qualifying matches on two international windows, in October and March, for greater visibility of the calendar, greater simplicity for the clubs, and less problems to solve for the selections. . The principle would be a grouping of qualifications, every year, and at the end of the season a major competition, World Cup or Continental Championship. Between the two qualifying windows, the player would stay at his club all year round
», Explains the former manager of Arsenal, now director of the development of world football at FIFA.
To discover
The 2022 World Cup qualifying calendar
Qualifying rankings for the 2022 World Cup
The reception is 100% favorable
Arsène Wenger
With a desired implementation in 2028, the technician estimates that “
the qualifying matches themselves arouse less enthusiasm than fifteen or twenty years ago.
What people want today are high-stakes, easy-to-understand competitions.
That's what it needs to be done for, for the public and to improve football.
""
I think that's an interesting idea.
I've been working there for six months now, consulting, and the reception is 100% favorable.
It's a thoughtful and thoughtful overhaul, but I'm not going to vote,
”adds Wenger.
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- Arsène Wenger's best moments at Arsenal
To those who point the finger at future hellish rates for players with more matches, the coach passed through Monaco replies: "
The clubs will have the players just for them for at least seven months!" They have everything to gain from it. During the time when they need them most, they will have them with them constantly. Having been confronted with this often, I know it is a real problem. Instead of four periods during the season where clubs can lose momentum due to the international break, there will only be two or even one.
"
