Infantino: If we don't want to lose young people, we have to change the World Cup to biennial

According to the "World Sports Newspaper", after Monday's FIFA global summit, Infantino talked to the media about the restructuring of the World Cup, saying: If we don't want to lose young people, we must change the World Cup to a biennial.

On the reasons for the World Cup restructuring

FiFA sees a shorter gap between the two World Cups that could allow more young people to become hooked on football, Infantino said: "If we don't want football to lose young people, we have to provide them with the opportunity to get hooked on football, and there is nothing more appropriate than hosting a World Cup every two years." An already conducted poll of 100,000 participants shows that the younger generation wants the World Cup to be held frequently. ”

"In addition, football is global, under the original format, some countries are regulars in the World Cup, but other countries, their fans may not see their national teams appear in the World Cup in their lifetime. My job is to work with all parties and coordinate positions to see what is good for the football world and how we can move forward to reduce differences. ”

About the feasibility of a new format for the World Cup

Infantino believes that the new format is feasible from both an economic and a sporting point of view, and if implemented, more funds will be available for the development of football around the world, he said: "This is a very important project that will help bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, and each country will have more opportunities to participate in the World Cup." Today, 70% of the revenue generated by the national teams is in Europe, 30% in the rest of the world, after the restructuring, without affecting Europe, the corresponding percentage will be adjusted to 60%-40%, and the revenue of the European side will still increase by about 2 billion euros (Note: Infantino does not say how long it will take to increase by 2 billion euros). ”

As to whether changing the World Cup to biennial will reduce its prestige

Infantino: "The prestige of the World Cup is absolute, it does not depend on the frequency of its hosting, otherwise can we say that if the World Cup is held every 40 years, its prestige will be ten times that of now?" The World Cup is a prestigious event, and studies have shown that there will be no problem in changing it to biennial. ”

Regarding the opposition of UEFA and COFA to the restructuring of the World Cup

Infantino: "They objected because they didn't see the data we provided today [at the FIFA Global Summit] before and believe they will reconsider and support the project. ”

Comparison of World Cup restructuring and European Premier League events

Infantino believes that the two embody different philosophies, saying: "Football should emphasize openness, participation and inclusion for everyone. Giving everyone a chance is the basic principle of the World Cup restructuring project. Everyone who talks about the structure, pyramids and unity of football should support the project, or at least participate constructively in the discussion. ”

Timetable for the follow-up promotion of the World Cup restructuring project

Infantino: "Starting next January, we will be consulting with all parties and doing more research, we want to make the best decision, and there is no clear deadline for when a final decision will be formed. ”

（gransabana）