ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – OCTOBER 20: The FIFA logo is seen outside the FIFA headquarters prior to the FIFA Executive Committee Meeting on October 20, 2011 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)
The International Olympic Committee said they’d like to have further discussions over FIFA’s plan to hold the World Cup every two years instead of four. IOC officials Saturday said national football federations, clubs, players and even coaches have all expressed strong concerns regarding FIFA’s plans to generate more revenue.
Officials said the hesitancy lies with the potential impact and clash with other sports schedules, which could also create challenges for promoting women’s soccer.
“The IOC shares these concerns and supports the calls of stakeholders of football, international sports federations and major event organizers for a wider consultation, including with athletes’ representatives, which has obviously not taken place,” said Director of Communications for the IOC, Mark Adams.
Sponsors such as Adidas have also weighed in on the matter, stating how skeptical they are of the plans. “I don’t think much of a football World Cup held every two years. There’s a European Championship here, there’s a Copa America in Latin America. One should also leave space for other things,” said Kasper Rorsted, chief executive of Adidas.
The IOC president also expressed that if the World Cup were to be held every two years, it could potentially put a massive strain on the physical and mental health of the players.
The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (#IOC) takes note of FIFA’s plans to change the #football competition schedule and to hold the World Cup every two years. #POC #FIFA #WorldCup
https://t.co/X0KpwI5hnn— Philippine Olympic Committee – POC (@OlympicPHI) October 17, 2021
Source: One America News Network
