The Confederation of North, Central America
and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), Confederation of African
Football (CAF) and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said that they have an
“open mind” to the proposal to hold the World Cup every two years.
The organisations have each confirmed they
have been formally asked by FIFA to take part in its consultation process over
a new calendar.
FIFA has pushed for a biennial World Cup after
the organisation approved undertaking a study at its Congress in May.
This followed a proposal from Saudi Arabia,
which has aligned itself closely with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
FIFA's chief of global development Arsène
Wenger outlined a proposal in Qatar earlier this month.
Wenger has claimed a reformed calendar could
allow for a biennial FIFA World Cup, alongside a reduction in the number of
matches and travelling involved at the top level of the sport, as well as
delivering more meaningful games.
This would involve restructuring international
breaks in the calendar, with a month-long qualification window likely held for
major tournaments, rather than several breaks in the same year.
Wenger led a technical advisory group meeting
in Qatar, which saw a group of former players from across the world support the
proposal.
The CONCACAF has confirmed it has been
formally invited to a consultation by FIFA, saying meetings are due to take
place in the coming weeks between the governing body, the confederation and
CONCACAF member associations.
"Our initial analysis is that we
recognise the merits of creating entirely new international men’s, women’s, and
youth football calendars which are underpinned by fewer international windows,
reduced travel for players, friendlies being replaced by meaningful matches,
and a more balanced structure for the overall benefit of football development
globally.
"We will continue to look at these proposals
constructively, with an open mind, and in the spirit of positive engagement.
"CONCACAF welcomes the fact that FIFA’s
Chief of Football Development, Mr Arsène Wenger, has been transparent in
sharing his vision and we are currently studying how the proposed changes would
impact football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
"While CONCACAF’s immediate focus is on
its own region, we also believe in the importance of being part of the global
football family and we will listen to the views of football stakeholders in all
parts of the world.
"It was in this spirit that CONCACAF was
supportive of UEFA and its European football stakeholders when recent threats
to their own club competitions structures were explored.
"Football in all parts of the world
should be given an equal opportunity to play a part in the development of what
is a FIFA international football calendar.
"Now is not the time for fearmongering
and neither is it right that this process should be dominated by the interests
of a few, or that more weight should be given to one particular region over
others.
"We encourage not only our fellow
Confederations but also all members of the global football family to come
together and work collaboratively to create FIFA calendars and competitions
that have benefits for the development of the game in all regions across the
world."
The AFC followed CONCACAF in expressing
support for a consultation.
The organisation said it "applauds the
spirit of partnership and strong principles" that FIFA is trying to
achieve.
The AFC also highlighted its support for
"more meaningful matches".
"As proven time and time again, most
notably in these challenging times, exceptional partnerships that thrive form
the foundational basis for Asian and world football not only to overcome great
adversity, but also in serving as the catalyst towards creating an environment
that supports dynamic innovation, invention, and collective success," an
AFC statement read.
"The AFC takes great pride in the
strength of its member and regional associations and our ambitions have always
been to build on and protect the same unity and solidarity alongside the world
football community in fostering a better and brighter future for the global
game.
"The AFC remains firmly committed towards
working with all its stakeholders and we look forward to engaging actively in
shaping the future of the International Match Calendar, one which reflects the
diverse needs and unlocks the potential benefits for every region across the
globe."
The CAF became the third confederation to
declare themselves open minded to the consultations within the past 24 hours,
with a statement issued by the organisation’s President Patrice Motsepe.
Motsepe had previously claimed "African
football could probably be the biggest beneficiary of a World Cup every two
years".
His latest statement said the CAF will seek to
support the “best interests of football”.
“CAF is deeply committed to the development,
growth and success of football in Africa and the rest of the world,” CAF said.
“We believe that the long-term growth and
success of FIFA, the Member Associations and all Confederations are
inextricably intertwined.
“We are also confident that through
discussions and deliberations we will find solutions together and do what is in
the best interest of football and our stakeholders on all continents
worldwide.”
Motsepe was elected CAF President earlier this
year as part of an agreement secured following FIFA President Gianni Infantino
conducting an African tour, where he met with the four candidates.
Ivorian Jacques Anouma, Senegal’s Augustin
Senghor and Mauritanian Ahmed Yahya withdrew from competition to become a
special advisor to Motsepe, first and second vice-presidents, respectively.
Infantino vehemently denied influencing the
election.
The views of the AFC, CAF and CONCACAF are
more supportive than the opinions expressed by European football’s governing
body UEFA and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).
UEFA President Aleksander ÄŒeferin has claimed
a biennial FIFA World Cup would dilute the quality of the tournament, with the
Slovenian arguing the "the jewel of the World Cup has value precisely
because of its rarity".
His opposition was mirrored by the CONMEBOL,
who warned holding the FIFA World Cup every two years could harm the quality of
other club and national tournaments, as well as impacting proper preparation
for the events.
It has supported greater consultation over the
idea but argued there is no justification for shortening the four-year period
between FIFA’s showpiece competition.
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