Xtra Time Web Desk: FIFA will be looking into the possibility of holding the World Cup every two years instead of four, both for the mens’ as well as womens’ iterations of the tournament. The body will be launching a feasibility study into the possible ramifications of such a move after a proposal on the matter was brought up by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) at the annual congress. As of now, the next edition of the mens’ World Cup is slated to go ahead in Qatar next year, while the womens’ World Cup is set to take place in Australia/New Zealand in 2023.
“We believe the future of football is at a critical juncture. The many issues that football has faced have now been further exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. It is important to review how the global game is structured, which should include whether the current four-year cycle remains the optimum basis for how football is managed both from a competition and a commercial perspective as well as overall football development,” SAFF president Yasser Al-Misehal was quoted as saying.
“Having fewer yet more meaningful competitive national team matches could potentially address concerns regarding player welfare whilst at the same time enhancing the value and merit of such competitions,” he added. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, however, has said that the investigation on the matter will not be rushed.