Paris (AFP)

After several weeks of controversy around the upheavals suggested by Fifa, the opposition seems to be hardening, especially in Europe where UEFA is up against this reform of the international calendar which notably envisages the organization of men's and women's World Cups all every two years, instead of the usual quadrennial rhythm.

Representatives of national championships from around the world, supporters and players joined this sling, like the Norwegian Ada Hegerberg, Ballon d'Or 2018 and the voice of women's football, who castigates in an interview with the 'AFP a project designed "without consideration" for the players.

According to an internal source at UEFA, a report commissioned by the European confederation estimates between 2.5 and 3 billion euros over four years the shortfall of the European federations if the project were adopted.

UEFA presented the findings of this study to the leaders of its 55 member federations on Tuesday.

This report does not take into account the possible additional shortfall for the national championships, specify Le Monde and L'Equipe, who have revealed the content of the document.

Box office losses and TV rights

The presentation of this report came just before the meeting of the Fifa Council, the governing body of the international federation, scheduled for Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. GMT) with an update on the subject.

Fifa plans to set up a selection competition each year for men and women, alternating World and continental competitions such as the Euro.

A full report is due to be released by Fifa in November, ahead of a "global summit" by the end of the year.

In addition to the biennial World Cup, which could begin in 2028, the project led by Arsène Wenger, director of world football development at Fifa, plans to bring together the qualifying matches in a single window, in October, or even in March and October, while the current international windows are spread throughout the year.

For UEFA, this scenario risks causing losses related to ticketing, TV rights and sponsors, detail Le Monde and L'Equipe, because broadcasters and partner companies are likely to prefer a soap opera running throughout the world. year rather than a one-off meeting with less visibility.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino at Argentina's training center on October 18, 2021 in Buenos Aires Tato PAGANO Argentinian Football Association / AFP

According to Le Monde, the League of Nations, a competition newly created by UEFA in which France is the title holder, would also disappear.

For FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is continuing consultations with players in the football world, his project would, on the contrary, lead to better benefits for the federations.

"No consideration for the players"

A perspective criticized by Ada Hegerberg, the first female Ballon d'Or in history, who rejects any purely financial approach.

"Adding World Cups to earn more money is an idea that is wrong with the current situation," she told AFP, fearing an increased risk of injury for players.

"Those who make the decisions are not on the pitch and have no regard for the players," said the Norwegian, who herself is coming back from a long injury.

The Nordic football federations, "firmly opposed to the idea of ​​biennial World Cups", even went further on Wednesday, promising to examine possible "actions" if this project is ever successful.

Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg in training with Lyon on October 4, 2021 in Gothenburg, Sweden Adam IHSE TT News Agency / AFP / Archives

"If a majority within Fifa decides to adopt a proposal for biennial World Cups, the Nordic federations will have to consider new actions and scenarios that are more in line with our fundamental values," read a statement. common published by these six UEFA member federations (Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden).

© 2021 AFP