Wednesday October 27, 2021
When held every two years
South America plans to boycott the World Cup
A World Cup without footballers from Brazil and Argentina? If it happens every two years, as suggested by FIFA, that could become a reality. That was decided by the South American association Conmebol. FIFA wants to make a decision shortly before Christmas.
The South American Football Association has clearly rejected the FIFA plans for a World Cup every two years and, like the European Football Union (UEFA), is announcing a boycott. “There are no reasons, advantages or justifications for the change proposed by FIFA,” said Conmebol after a meeting. “The ten Conmebol countries therefore confirm that they will not take part in a world championship that takes place every two years.”
The world association FIFA promotes the idea of a World Cup every two years, which has been heavily criticized by numerous associations. UEFA boss Aleksander Čeferin had already announced a boycott from Europe. The FIFA Council recently decided that a global summit should take place on December 20 to discuss the reform of the international match calendar. According to the DFB, a vote on the question is “obsolete” this year.
Most recently, FIFA boss Gianni Infantino promoted a reform of the World Cup calendar on a trip through South America. The organization of the World Cup in a rhythm shortened from four to two years would intensify the competition and thus raise the sporting level, especially outside of Europe, said the president of the world association. In addition, more countries would have the opportunity to host a soccer world championship.
“The project turns away from the almost 100-year tradition of world football and ignores the history of one of the most important sporting events in the world,” said Conmebol. “We support the current World Cup with its deadlines and qualification systems because it has proven to be a successful model that is based on top athletic performance and rewards efforts, talent and well-planned work.”