CARACAS: FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Friday (Oct 15) defended his plan to hold the World Cup every two years during a visit to Venezuela, a country that has never qualified for the global showpiece. The biennial World Cup project, which has the backing of former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, has co
CARACAS: FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Friday defended his plan to hold the World Cup every two years during a visit to Venezuela, a country that has never qualified for the global showpiece. The biennial World Cup project, which has the backing of former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, has come in for heavy criticism from continental federations UEFA and CONMEBOL, as well as coaches and pundits.
"Our job as FIFA is to constantly think about how we can improve football in the world, to make football truly global," Infantino said during an event in the Venezuelan capital Caracas. "The FIFA president is president of the 111 countries and all those countries have the right to dream, a dream like the Vinotinto dream. "They also have to be able to achieve that dream because if you have to dream for eternity, in the end you prefer to do other things." Infantino insisted that a biennial World Cup would increase the chances for smaller nations to qualify. "When it was decided to organize a World Cup every four years, more or less 100 years ago, FIFA had 40 countries. It's time to re-analyze the issue." Infantino said South American sides were often at a disadvantage due to the amount of travel they have to do compared to European sides.South America have welcomed the tournament five times. Africa and Asia have only hosted it once each, although the next one is in Qatar. "If Messi has to travel 350,000 kilometers to play a World Cup and Cristiano Ronaldo 50,000 to play ... I think it's normal that in June the South Americans are a bit more tired than the Europeans," said Infantino. "Since 2002, Brazil have not won a single World Cup knock-out match against a European side ... Not for 20 years, and that's Brazil!"
Please follow us on Google to support usSingapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mexico, Canada remain unbeaten in World Cup qualifyingMexico claimed a 2-0 win at El Salvador on Wednesday while Canada thrashed Panama 4-1 at home as both teams remained unbeaten in CONCACAF qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.Leaders Mexico are on 14 points from six matches, three points clear of the United States, who beat Costa Rica 2-1. Canada, bidding to
Read more »
Yellen calls for 'strong action' to boost data integrity at IMF, World BankWASHINGTON : U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday called for 'strong action' by international financial institutions to protect data integrity and prevent misconduct in the wake of a World Bank data-rigging scandal.Yellen, in a statement to the steering committee of the International Monetary
Read more »
Ex-teacher from One World International School fined $4,000 after hurling vulgarities at policeman while drunkA former teacher from One World International School (OWIS) was fined $4,000 on Thursday (Oct 14) after he hurled vulgarities at a policeman while intoxicated. Briton Gary Joseph Bates Holland, 37, was also not wearing a mask when he committed the offence outside Jurong...
Read more »
Papua New Guinea's leap of faith lands World Cup debutFaith has played an important role in the development of cricket in Papua New Guinea and on Sunday it will be repaid when the 'Barramundis' make their Twenty20 World Cup debut against Oman in Al Amerat.The majority of the team taking the field hail from a single village located on the southern Papuan coas
Read more »
Don't just talk — act on climate, Queen Elizabeth signals to world leadersLONDON — Britain's Queen Elizabeth said she was irritated by world leaders who talk about climate change but do nothing to address global warming, and added it was still unclear who would turn up at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.
Read more »
Analysis: Supply chains, inflation overshadow vaccine, debt woes at IMF-World Bank meetingsWASHINGTON : Supply chain woes and growing inflation concerns pushed aside a widening gap in COVID-19 vaccinations and mounting debt problems for developing countries as the top concerns for global policymakers at International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings this week.Relatively little new p
Read more »