The world association FIFA is sticking to its controversial World Cup plan - and attracts with money.
"It can be done," said FIFA President Infantino during a press conference on Monday evening about the organization of the world tournament every two years instead of the usual four.
“Everyone can benefit from it.” Shortly before, the more than 200 FIFA member associations at the “World Summit on the Future of Football” had been presented with a study that showed higher revenues of $ 4.4 billion over the first four years ( 3.9 million euros).
FIFA announced that a large part of the huge sum would be passed on to the associations. Payments in the first four-year cycle could grow to 25 million US dollars (22 million euros) per country - in the FIFA world, transfers from Zurich have always been a main reason to vote for or against something (or someone). "If we were to vote tomorrow, the majority might be in favor," said Infantino, but that is not the plan.
The Swiss did not set a detailed schedule for the coming year. "It's not about a precise date, it's about making the right decisions for football," said Infantino. “We are continuing the dialogue and hope to be able to make progress.” The next FIFA Congress is scheduled for March 31st. “My job as FIFA President is to work with everyone and think about what's good for football,” said Infantino.
The 51-year-old emphasized that "the biennial World Cup is one of the elements we discuss when we talk about the future of football". In men's football it is about the calendar from 2024, for women from 2023. In May the FIFA Congress decided to carry out a feasibility study, the results of which were presented to 207 (out of a total of 211) associations on Monday. According to Infantino, the online conference lasted a good two and a half hours.
The change in the rhythm of the World Cup has been the big controversy in world football for months - the European Football Union and the South American Confederation CONMEBOL are against it. Those responsible for the German Football Association were also very critical. "We can't say to the rest of the world that football is great, give us the money and watch TV," said Infantino. Several nations have a higher chance of qualifying for a final round. One reason why UEFA was against it could be "that it does not know the latest studies," said Infantino.
UEFA recently presented a study according to which revenues for the national associations would decrease.
Former star coach Arsène Wenger, who now works as FIFA director for global football development, criticized: “What I regret is that 90 percent of this opposition is emotional and not based on facts or analysis.
Many emotions are based on fear, fear for one's own competitions. "