Doha (AP) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has again expressed skepticism about the plans for a World Cup every two years.
“We came to the conclusion that it would be feasible. But of course there is also a lot of resistance,” said the 52-year-old after the World Association FIFA Congress in Doha. There has been massive opposition from Europe and South America in particular to shortening the World Cup rhythm from four to two years, so that this project has hardly seemed possible for several months. Infantino had already spoken about possible compromise solutions last October.
During the General Assembly he stressed: “FIFA has never proposed a World Cup every two years.” Saudi Arabia had asked the world association to conduct a feasibility study. However, FIFA did not miss an opportunity to fuel this topic with public studies, among other things.
“We have to look at what is best for the development of football,” Infantino said of the debate on the future of the fixture. “You have to see that it doesn’t help anyone if you close yourself off, even if you’re the biggest and richest.” A statement that should have been addressed to the European representatives, among others. Numerous associations had temporarily considered leaving FIFA in the event that the World Cup plans had been realized.
It may take a while before a solution is found. “It’s great if we find a decision in a week, but it could also take a year,” said Infantino. The issue was not on the agenda in Qatar, and the FIFA Council could deal with it again in the summer.