It is difficult to separate the calendar and the rhythm of the World Cup

A revision of the calendar makes sense. Less travel, fewer but longer international match windows – this is also advocated by many participants who reject the two-year rhythm of the World Cup.

“The problem is this is what FIFA has to negotiate”says an official involved in the discussions in an interview with Sports Show. “If FIFA were to discuss the two issues separately, it would have fewer arguments when it came to the short cycle of the World Cup.” A new calendar with less travel and less time with national teams could potentially make the idea more suited to the big clubs in Europe. As the employer of the most important players, you have to pay the party of FIFA.

FIFA: PR campaign with Peter Schmeichel, Ronaldo or Sami Khedir

For weeks, FIFA has been running a PR campaign for a two-year cycle – mainly with top players from around the world. David Trezeguet, Ronaldo, Tim Cahill and Yaya Toure made positive comments after a joint meeting with FIFA Director Wenger in Qatar – as did Sami Khedira. “Players have a lot of games and they travel a lot – if they play they must compete in meaningful games”The German world champion from 2014 said in a FIFA camera.

At least there was no critical voice in this “technical advisory group” at the press conference. Outside the group, yes.

Carragher and Henry don’t think much of the idea

Jamie Carragher, formerly . with FC Liverpool, reported on Wednesday that he too was joined by Arsene Wenger in an online conference. “Maybe I wasn’t invited for the next one because I’m not that busy and every couple of years for the World Cup is you”Carragher told Peter Schmeichel, who is also in the studio of the US broadcaster “CBS“And was present at the meeting with Wenger in Qatar. “My big problem is why are we trying to support former players? We won’t play. Ask the players who are going to play in the World Cup right now”demanded Caragher.

Thierry Henry, who was also at CBS Studios, also objected. He played in four World and three European Championships. “And I went completely flat out there mentally”Henry said. “It’s not just about the games. It’s preparing for the World Cup and coming back after a season at the World Cup and clubs. If you do that every two years, it’s mental for a player. It’s very stressful.” The discussions should now continue. Then, according to FIFA, other interest groups have their say, for example leagues, clubs, fans or players. Wenger recently called for a decision on the calendar “by the end of the year”.

Stand: 01.10.2021, 12:29