MX23RW : Sunday, November 17 22:02:56| >> :600:100067527:100067527:

FIFA claims majority of fans support the idea of a World Cup every two years

FIFA claims majority of fans support the idea of a World Cup every two years
© Reuters
The organisation's head of global development Arsene Wenger has developed the controversial plans.

A majority of football fans favour a change of frequency in the World Cup, according to a survey commissioned by FIFA.

Fifty five per cent of respondents from 23 countries across the world – including England – favoured a change, as FIFA continues its consultation on playing the World Cup every two years instead of every four.

Of the 55 per cent, the most popular option was biennial World Cups.

However, in every age group, the highest percentage was in favour of the status quo – ranging from 37 per cent among 18-24 year olds to 58 per cent among those aged 55 and over.

The world governing body has developed hugely controversial plans to shorten the gap between its showpiece event from four years to two, with former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger championing the changes.

The Football Supporters Europe group is opposed to the idea and wrote to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, who replied to say he had “grave concerns” about the plans and has since told The Times that European countries could boycott the World Cup if the change is made.

However, FIFA says that globally there is support for the plan, and said the enthusiasm was greatest among younger fans in “developing markets” outside Europe.

Arsene Wenger, right, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino
Arsene Wenger, right, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino (Handout from FIFA/PA)

“A survey has provided feedback as part of the feasibility study regarding the frequency of the men’s FIFA World Cup,” FIFA said in a statement.

“The findings of this online survey, conducted in July 2021, will be used as part of a wider consultation process involving fans, which will take place over several phases.

“Fifteen thousand respondents were identified as expressing an interest in football and the FIFA World Cup, from a broader market research survey involving 23,000 people in 23 countries, across six confederations, commissioned via IRIS and YouGov, independent industry experts.

“Based on initial results, the following conclusions can be drawn:

“The majority of fans would like to see a more frequent men’s FIFA World Cup; of this majority, the preferred frequency is biennial; there are considerable differences between the so-called traditional markets and the developing football markets; and younger generations in all regions are more open and interested in change than older generations.”

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has previously expressed
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has previously expressed “grave concerns” about the plans (Niall Carson/PA)

It is understood only respondents who expressed an interest in football and the World Cup were asked the question about World Cup frequency. The 23 markets which were selected included England, with around 1,000 targeted in each market.

FIFA said the results of an expanded survey involving over 100,000 people in more than 100 countries is under way and would be published in due course.

South American confederation CONMEBOL has joined UEFA in speaking out against the plans, while world players’ union FIFPRO has warned the proposals will not have any legitimacy without the support of its members.

European Leagues – an umbrella group which includes the Premier League and all of the continent’s major domestic competitions – has expressed firm and unanimous opposition to the plans. That appears to be a major obstacle for FIFA to overcome, as its clubs employ the majority of the players who play in World Cups.

France celebrate winning the World Cup
France won the 2018 World Cup (Owen Humphreys/PA)

The European Club Association – which includes all of the continent’s big clubs except for the Super League rebel trio – has also warned FIFA against any “unilateral” decision.

The idea for a biennial World Cup was first floated by the Saudi Arabian football association, and a feasibility study was given the go-ahead after a vote at FIFA Congress in May.

Wenger, FIFA’s head of global football development, says it provides more meaningful matches for players who do not operate in Europe’s big leagues, and also cuts down on international travel during the season, with international breaks cut to one or at most two.

He also believes it gives national teams more chances to qualify, although the likelihood is that the same teams would simply play in World Cups more often, if they entered.

Additional World Cups would, in theory, mean extra revenue for FIFA to share among the member associations who elect the FIFA leadership, and it has been seen by some as a means for Infantino to solidify his power base.

ID:463962:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect9070:

Click here for more stories about Gianni Infantino

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Packers
@
Bears
6pm
Raiders
@
Dolphins
6pm
Colts
@
Jets
6pm
Jags
@
Lions
6pm
Rams
@
Patriots
6pm
Browns
@
Saints
6pm
Ravens
@
Steelers
6pm
Vikings
@
Titans
9.05pm
Seahawks
@
49ers
9.05pm
Falcons
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Chiefs
@
Bills
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!