Clubs blast Arsene Wenger’s plan for World Cup being hosted in every two years
Ex-Man United goalie Van Der Sar said, 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
Sebastian Nkrumah Listowell 
European clubs have reportedly blasted FIFA’s plans for a World Cup to be hosted every two years.
Top European clubs including Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as UEFA chief Alexander Ceferin, waged war against the proposals outlined by FIFA bigwig and ex-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino wants to turn the World Cup into a biennial event from the 2026 tournament in Canada, Mexico and United States of America.
Erstwhile Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar, who is now Ajax chief executive, emerged from yesterday’s three-hour meeting and 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.”
Nasser Al-Khelaifi the Paris Saint-Germain President added:
“The mood of the clubs was very good and straight to the point.
“A World Cup every two years must not happen.”
Ceferin, speaking at the ECA general assembly, said:
“More is not always better. FIFA is conducting a feasibility study into holding a World Cup every two years.
“We think that the jewel of the World Cup had value precisely because of its rarity.
“Holding it every two years will lead to more randomization, less legitimacy and unfortunately dilute the World Cup itself.
“Our players do not need to spend more of their summers consuming tournaments rather than spending it in relaxation with their families.”
And Cerefin was backed by representatives of clubs across the continent.
But FIFA President Infantino, who gave a virtual address to the meeting, said:
“All clubs, leagues, associations and fans will be involved in the consultation about the calendar.
“We have to protect the players but we need to rethink the calendar fundamentally and there are no taboo topics. We must give the fans even more reason to enjoy our sport.”
