Fifa claim fans DO want World Cup every two years after worldwide survey as Arsene Wenger launches radical new plan
FIFA claims its plans for a World Cup every two years IS backed by fans worldwide.
World chiefs appointed YouGov and Germany’s IRIS to poll 23,000 adults across 23 countries around the globe between June 29 and July 9.
That was two months BEFORE Arsene Wenger officially launched the proposals, proof of how much they are supported by Fifa President Gianni Infantino.
According to Fifa, 15,000 respondents were interested in football and the World Cup.
And while Fifa has now launched a second and more extensive survey, aimed at contacting more than 100,000 people across 100-plus nations, the initial feedback backs the Wenger plan.
Europe and the leading clubs have voiced their anger at the proposals and Fifa admitted: “There are considerable differences between the so-called traditional markets and the developing football markets.”
But the world body insisted: “The majority of fans would like to see a more frequent men’s FIFA World Cup.
“Of this majority, the preferred frequency is biennial.
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“Younger generations in all regions are more open and interested in change than older generations.”
As well as having a World Cup every two years, Wenger’s plan also aims to have all tournament qualifiers played in a single elongated window every October.
But top clubs are opposed, including Ajax, with chief executive Edwin van der Sar speaking out in opposition.
He said: “The clubs are not having it. It is a ludicrous idea. There is a lot of opposition. It would change everything.
“Football is all about clubs first and has to be. We must put the players first and this would not do that. The leagues will also have the same view.”
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