World Leagues forum opposes World Cup plans
While FIFA President Gianni Infantino continues to push the idea of a World Cup every two years, Serie A joined the World Leagues Forum in opposing any such proposals.
The debate has been raging over the last few days, with UEFA irritated and clubs furious at the plans to have a World Cup every couple of years.
This evening, the World Leagues Forum, the association representing professional leagues at world level, announced via a statement it would “oppose any proposals to hold the football World Cup every two years and dilute the historical and traditional values of a competition that means so much to fans and players.
“A biennial World Cup would negatively disrupt the football economy and undermine players’ welfare in a calendar that is already overloaded.”
The statement assured these world leagues, clubs and football stakeholders would work together “to ensure FIFA is not allowed to make unilateral decisions on the future of football against the interests of leagues, clubs, players and fans.”
read also:Fifa’s World Cup plan gets cold response from Bach
Lega Serie A chief Luigi De Siervo also had his say on the proposal from FIFA to play the World Cup every two years rather than four.
“After the battle against the Super League, all the world leagues and members of the World Leagues Forum united against his new attack on the sporting integrity of our leagues.
read also:Islanders off to winning start as Premier League starts
“This proposal is only trying to guarantee FIFA new dates to boost their commercial profits, damaging the interests of fans, national leagues and clubs who, it’s important to remember, are the only ones who pay for the performances of their various players.”
Nonetheless, Infantino continues to press on with his idea and is trying to get the smaller nations on board.
“We’re consulting players and clubs from all over the world as well as FIFA’s 211 member associations and fans. They all have an equal right to be listened to. This is about democracy and we respect all voices,” said the FIFA President.