FIFA President Advocates for Flexible World Cup Scheduling
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasizes the need for flexibility in scheduling World Cups.
Traditionally, the tournament has been held during the summer months in the northern hemisphere; however, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was conducted in December to avoid extreme heat.
Infantino stated, "We have summer and winter, and if we want to play at the same time everywhere in the world, we can schedule matches in March or October." He noted the challenges of hosting matches in December in some regions and in July in others.
"We need to consider all these elements and explore how we can improve the experience for everyone. Perhaps there are ways to optimize the calendar. We are in discussions and must maintain an open mind," he added.
The international match calendar is set until 2030, with the upcoming men's World Cup scheduled for June and July in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Morocco, Portugal, and Spain will host the tournament in 2030, with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay also participating to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup, which was won by Uruguay. Saudi Arabia is slated to host the tournament in 2034.
Additionally, Infantino confirmed FIFA's ambition to expand the Club World Cup. The recent tournament in the United States featured an expanded 32-team format amidst a significant heatwave, with temperatures in New York reaching a record high of 39°C in June. This led to criticism from players and unions regarding player welfare and the congested match schedule.
Maheta Molango, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, remarked in July that the competition risks devaluing football. Chelsea emerged victorious against Paris St-Germain in New York to claim the title.
At the European Football Clubs' general assembly in Rome, Infantino remarked on the financial growth of the Champions League, stating, "When it was first created, it generated €40 million; now it brings in €4 billion. If the first Club World Cup produced €2 billion, in 30 years we should aim for €200 billion." He highlighted the revenue generated for clubs and stressed the importance of collaboration to enhance the tournament's impact.
Infantino expressed confidence in the success of the event, noting the attendance of 2.5 million spectators across stadiums, with an average of 40,000 attendees, surpassed only by the Premier League. He concluded that there is global interest in football, which is crucial for boosting national leagues and international competitions.