In a move that could have a profound impact on the global football structure, FIFA is considering conducting its flagship tournament every two years instead of four for both the men’s and women’s tournaments, the governing body has acknowledged.
The organization will launch a feasibility study into the ramifications of such a decision after a proposal was put forth by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) at the annual congress.
The next men’s tournament will be held in Qatar at the end of 2022, with Australia/New Zealand 2023 to follow eight months later for the women’s game.
But any potential future reshuffle would likely force widespread changes in both the club game and with continental tournaments such as the European Championship and Copa America.
“We know about the value of the World Cup,” said the FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “Any investigation would not be rushed at the congress,” he said.
Since the inaugural tournament in 1930 held in Uruguay, the men’s World Cup has been held every four years, barring 1942 and 1946 because of World War II. The women’s tournament has also taken place every four years since the first competition in 1991.
After the conclusion of the 71st virtual FIFA Congress the other day in Zurich, FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak about the potential changes to the World Cup. “It’s a way of promoting football, we must study what we can do to stimulate football and we must have an open mind,” Infantino declared.
