Plans to hold the FIFA World Cup every two years will not only undermine the tournament itself, but the fascination and prestige that make it so special.
April 20th felt like a turning point in modern football. For once, fans, federations and the governing body alike stood side-by-side to banish the European Super League (ESL) before it had really shown its face. “Either you are in, or you are out!” said president Gianni Infantino. A joyous moment for tradition and meritocracy.
But having briefly held “good guys” status within the collective perception of football fans over the 48-hour furore, murmurings of a biennial World Cup have seen FIFA quickly recast as the greedy villains they so often seem to play.
It was announced yesterday on 21st May that FIFA would launch a “feasibility study” into the proposal made by Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF), to host both the men’s and women’s tournaments every two years, despite absolutely no one ever having an issue with (in the men’s case) almost a century of four-year cycles.
Al-Misehal said, “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.”
Now, I am not fluent in billionaire, but I believe that translates loosely as, “We have been spunking our money up the wall and it is becoming a bit awkward, and this pandemic has meant we have not been able to drain as much money out of loyal fans as we would have liked.”
It feels like we were in a very similar place last month; ESL bigwig Florentino Perez dressing up increased opportunities to vanquish financial fears as something for football as a whole. The biggest difference between the statements from the ESL and SAFF are that FIFA seem keen on listening to the latter, while they would not hear a word from the former.
So, what is making Infantino entertain this “eloquent and detailed” proposal? I would be delighted to hear any reason other than jumping at the chance to double the already huge commercial opportunities offered by the World Cup – I mean, why make $6 billion every four years when you could make it every two? – however, I fear there are none.
Saudi Arabia, who have recently been throwing their wads around in the realms of Formula 1 and heavyweight boxing – and in doing so were much later to the party than some of their neighbours on the gulf – are perhaps intent on getting a slice of that pie by playing host nation, and are trying to double their chances of doing so. Of course, I could be way off the mark, the Saudis may be trying to champion women’s football and want to double the amount of global stagetime available to the Women’s World Cup. You tell me.
The suits all seem blind to the fact, however, that their “product”, steeped in history and honour, has become so incredibly successful partly down to the fact that it only happens once every four years. The anticipation that builds over this time for that rare shot at absolute glory, the passion shown on the pitch and in the stands, and the speed at which the chance can be snatched away simply cannot be replicated by an event that is held more regularly. Most importantly, the global audience’s imagination just will not be captivated when the element of, “Oh well, we’ll have another go soon” is added to the mix.
Every football fan on the planet loves the World Cup. Yet not one has ever seriously suggested holding it more often. That should tell us something.
In other words, quality over quantity. FIFA are thinking of going with option 2, taking a bullet to their uncultured right foot.
Putting emotions to one side, there are more logistical matters to address.
As much as I would love an old-fashioned approach to fixture congestion, I fear the days of eleven men playing 43 times a week on boggy pitches and living on half-time oranges are not coming back. Thus, with an added World Cup and (let’s not forget) the new Club World Cup to fit in, what will make way?
Will continental championships be played less often, delighting UEFA and their counterparts? Will domesic leagues be shortened and cups scrapped, meaning fewer opportunities for the average fan to do what he so loves and support his team? Will the UEFA Champions League have team numbers cut to decrease congestion? Much of this sounds like an ESL owners most beautiful dream.
What of the question of qualification?With space in the calendar at a premium, how does one ensure the 32/48/64/128 (delete as applicable) teams have gone through a rigorous enough process to merit their place? Heaven forbid automatic spots are allocated, à la Rugby Union.
Unfortunately, pre-qualifiers will likely be the order of the day in Europe and South America, denying the minnows their big pay day against the giants, while said giants will be protected from the rough and tumble of regular qualifiers and maybe will have to negotiate a play-off to reach Riyadh 2032. This “haves & have-nots” philosophy could create a tier system, which could only widen if top players seek ways to become eligible for those on the “right” side of the glass ceiling. Again, à la Rugby Union.
The history books will also get a firm kick in the teeth. What will become of Miroslav Klose’s goalscoring, Lothar Matthäus’ appearances and Pele’s victories when the next generation of German or Brazilian talent could comfortably have played in seven World Cups by their 30th birthday? As incredible as Spain’s 2008-2012 dynasty were, they showed how difficult it is to win back-to-back World Cups. It stands to reason that the next similarly dominant side would have three world titles to show for the same period of dominance. Will such an achievement be considered greater than that of Brazil’s ’58 and ’62 triumphs?
The voyage of faith made in 1930 by four European nations to Uruguay set in motion 90+ years of belief and passion for this tournament, which – with the exception of World War Two and its aftermath – has stuck rigidly to a schedule that has allowed our anticipation to reach boiling point before bursting into life before our eyes.
FIFA are considering crushing that. They must be stopped.
Anthony Tomas Sport 