FIFA President Infantino: "In Europe, the World Cup takes place twice a week"

With a view to the debate about a World Cup every two years, FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has criticized Europe's attitude. “We see football moving in a direction where few have everything and the majority have nothing. In Europe, the World Cup takes place twice a week because the best players play in Europe,” said the president of the world football association before the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, where the commission report “Football administration: economy and values” was discussed. Even in Europe there is a big imbalance. The vast majority of Europe don't see the best players and don't take part in the big competitions.

The change in the World Cup rhythm has been a major issue in football for months – the European Football Union (UEFA) and the South American Confederation Conmebol are against it. So far, the World Championships have been held every four years. "We have to involve the whole world," emphasized Infantino, focusing primarily on Africa: "We have to give Africans hope that they don't have to come across the Mediterranean to perhaps be able to lead a better life here. We must give them opportunities and dignity.”

Infantino, meanwhile, has also defended World Cup hosts Qatar from ongoing criticism, particularly over human rights.

“Change doesn't happen quickly.

In Europe it took centuries and decades.

Thanks to the World Cup and thanks to the spotlight, the system has developed in record time in just a few years,” said Infantino, adding: “There is still a lot to be done, a lot to change.

We have to keep up the pressure but also acknowledge that there have been changes.”

He also wanted to "put some things straight," emphasized the Swiss during the debate.

It was "simply not true" when reports were given of 6,500 dead workers on the World Cup construction sites, "there are three.

Three is still too much, but there is a big difference between three and 6,500.” Infantino did not name a source for your information.

However, he said the working conditions are comparable to those in Europe.

In addition, FIFA is not a world police force, said Infantino, who admitted, however, that Qatar was "no paradise".

“There is still a lot to change and a lot to be done.

We have to keep the focus and the pressure up, but recognize that change is taking place." This is a "merit of football".