This Thursday at 2 pm, FIFA organized a press conference on the "
future of men's football
" with the backdrop of the World Cup football project every two years.
Arsene Wenger, Director of Football Development at FIFA spoke about the project, which continues to divide the football microcosm.
The former Arsenal manager has defended his idea of a biannual World Cup.
The Alsatian considers that the 4-year cycle between each World Cup is obsolete. “
This four-year cycle was established in 1930. What makes 90 years of existence.
The times are changing.
Behaviors too
".
The World Cup project every two years.
Screenshot: FIFA
Ronaldo and Schmeichel support the project
To support his remarks, several former renowned players, like Ronaldo Nazario or Peter Schmeichel have confided to provide their testimonies. Ronaldo, member of the FIFA think tank on this new calendar project, is in favor of Arsène Wenger's plan. “
To have the most important competition every two years, that would be spectacular, really. During a dinner with friends, colleagues and participants, we discussed the importance of the World Cup in Russia, and the time that has passed since. We all miss this competition. The whole world stops to watch.
"
Same story for Peter Schmeichel, the former goalkeeper of Manchester United and the Danish selection who underlines the importance ofopen the World Cup to less exposed nations "
I come from a small country with few inhabitants.
We have no guarantee of qualification, in a difficult sporting environment in Europe.
I qualified for a World Cup only.
(...) I am clearly in favor of having a World Cup every two years.
Today's calendar is a bit out of date
"
Redesign of the international calendar
In addition to developing a World Cup every 2 years, Arsène Wenger has proposed a total overhaul of the annual international calendar.
The objective displayed by Wenger is to reduce the number of matches, reduce travel for players and increase the spectacle. However, these provisions do not seem to everyone's liking.
Earlier in the afternoon, the European leagues strongly opposed the proposed biannual World Cup.
The current international calendar and the 2 new options offered.
Screenshot: FIFA
UEFA and European leagues opposed to the project
It is the turn of UEFA, under the leadership of its president, Aleksander Ceferin, to castigate this project. According to
The Times
, Ceferin evokes a potential boycott of Europe and South America if the project comes to fruition "
We can decide not to participate in the competition, insists the leader of the UEFA. From what I know, South Americans are on the same page. So good luck to have a World Cup in these conditions. I think that will never happen because it goes so against the principles of football
. ”
A proposal which crystallizes passions in the world of football, and which should still generate much ink. However, Arsène Wenger remains open to dialogue "
If people have better ideas, I am open to dialogue. I try to find solutions to make football better. This is my goal, and no other. I am on this journey to try to convince people. Of course I will respect the decisions of the football family, the decision makers
”.