FIFA President, Gianni Infantino stated that the proposed biennial World Cup tournament will benefit Africa more should be it endorsed, Checkout Magazine learnt.
The world soccer governing body is currently conducting a feasibility study to determine the practicalities of altering the World Cup cycle from four years to two in a landmark plan being led by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development.
Should the proposal go through, it would affect the international football calendar meaning continental championships including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON); CONCACAF Gold Cup, European Championship and Copa America would be sandwiched in the alternate years.
Responding yesterday to a question posed by The Nation on the viability of a biennial World Cup for African Football Federations based on the inherent logistical problems around the African continent, at the FIFA Council meeting Press Conference held in Zurich, Infantino explained how the proposed structure will facilitate development in the continent.
“I know when it comes to Africa in particular there is a huge passion for the game and there is incredible talent for the game. I believe with the right structure and infrastructure, football in Africa will grow immensely. Africa is indeed on the right track in this respect with the new CAF leadership as well,” the 51-year-old Swiss said matter-of-factly.
The FIFA World Cup has been awarded as a quadrennial event since its inaugural edition in 1930 with Africa hosting only once as recently as the 2010 edition in South Africa. Yet, Infantino alluded to the fact that the continent could be on the cusp of hosting its men’s and women’s World Cup when the biennial plan is eventually put in place.
“I think, more Africa countries can even come together to co-host the men or women World Cup in the future and this will definitely help in term of football development with the kind of enthusiasm we see on the continent,” Infantino continued.
“Obviously, I dream about the impact this can be on the infrastructure on the continent and I’m not talking only about the football or the stadiums but development in terms of the hotels, airports and this would be a great opportunity of presenting Africa to the world positively.”
