The European Leagues unanimously oppose holding the World Cup every two years

The European Football Association (UEFA) today expressed its opposition to the proposal of the International Federation of the Game (FIFA) to hold the World Cup competition every two years instead of four.

Swiss FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that the sweeping amendment would put an end to "many meaningless matches".

The association, which includes in its board of directors members from the leagues of Spain, England, Germany, France and Italy, met on Tuesday.

"On this occasion, the leagues firmly and unanimously oppose any proposals to organize the FIFA World Cup every two years," it said in a statement.

"The leagues will work alongside other stakeholders to prevent football's governing bodies from making unilateral decisions that harm domestic football which is the foundation of our industry and of paramount importance to clubs, players and fans across Europe and the world."

The European Football Association (Wifa) opposed the idea earlier this week, and stressed that it would "weak the essence" of world football, according to its Slovenian president Aleksandar Ceferin.

In a statement on Wednesday, the World Federation of Professional Football Associations also criticized the project, which "would harm the football economy and the health of players," explaining that it "would oppose any plan to host the FIFA World Cup every two years, thus undermining the history and traditions of the competition that means a lot."

About 50 fan organizations from around the world have confirmed their opposition to the idea, saying it "has neither the time, nor the money, nor the ability (to reach) the other side of the world every 24 months."

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