The World Leagues Forum (WLF), the global association of leagues, has once again harshly criticised the plans for a World Cup every two years. It fears a loss of billions of euros for the national competitions.
This finding is based on two studies – according to which the push by the world governing body could cost the national leagues up to 8.5 billion euros per season. “We call on FIFA to abandon its proposal for a biennial World Cup, as it is unwanted by fans and would destroy the value of football at all levels, “ criticised Enrique Bonilla, head of the Mexican league and current WLF chairman. “There can also be no decision on the match calendar without the consent of the leagues, their member clubs and the players who are the basis of football.”
The WLF, of which the German Football League (DFL) is also a member, has received support for its approach from David Aganzo, president of the international players’ association FIFPRO: “New formats threaten the structure of the domestic football industry and put further pressure on the calendar, which is already overcrowded.” Of course, innovation is needed, he said, but the question is why FIFA’s plans “have emerged without the necessary evaluation and involvement of players and leagues”. The European Club Association (ECA) has also recently renewed its opposition to the biennial World Cup.
For months, FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plans have been the subject of criticism, especially from the major associations in Europe and South America. According to the report, countries from Africa and Asia seem open to the idea promoted by Arsene Wenger. The proposal of the long-serving Arsenal coach also includes a reduction of the current five country match suspension windows per year to two. In October, the FIFA Council had scheduled a summit meeting on the issue for 20 December. A decision, however, is not expected until spring 2022.