Paris (AFP)
Fifa plans to hold an "online summit" on September 30 to consult its member federations on its controversial World Cup project organized every two years, instead of the current quadrennial rhythm, the international football federation announced on Monday.
"Following the invitations sent in early September to stakeholders, including all confederations, discussions will be organized in the coming weeks," wrote Fifa in a statement.
"Fifa has also invited its member associations to a first online summit on September 30, 2021. It will be one of the many opportunities to establish an open and constructive debate at the global and regional level in the coming months", fact- she be worth.
The debate around a World Cup every two years has been revived in recent days in the French daily L'Equipe by ex-coach Arsène Wenger, director of development for Fifa.
This recommends a selection competition each year, alternating World and continental competitions, such as the Euro or the Copa America.
UEFA, the powerful European football confederation, opposed it, assuring that it "would dilute" the "jewel" of world football, according to its president Aleksander Ceferin.
The South American Conmebol also expressed its refusal, affirming that this project had "no sporting justification".
Fifa President Gianni Infantino has promised decisions will be taken by the end of the year on the proposed World Cup overhaul.
In this opinion campaign, Fifa also released an online poll Thursday showing a slight majority of football fans supporting the idea of a "more frequent" World Cup.
This study contrasts with the clear opposition expressed by dozens of national supporters' associations.
© 2021 AFP