IOC: Infantino did not contact Bach “at any time”. free Press

ZURICH (AP) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has not discussed plans for a football World Cup every two years with IOC boss Thomas Bach, according to the International Olympic Committee.

“The FIFA President never approached the IOC President to discuss the proposals,” the IOC said.

This intensifies the public debate around IOC member Infantino about the World Football Federation’s future efforts to host the World Cup every two years. The IOC had already expressed its “concern” about the FIFA plans as well as called for support for a “comprehensive consultation” of all concerned regarding these mind games. European football association UEFA and South American continental federation CONMEBOL had previously criticized the shortening of the tally, and UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin openly threatened a boycott.

International sports organisations, national football associations, clubs and players, as well as player associations and coaches, have expressed their “strong reservations and concerns” about FIFA’s plans, IOC spokesman Mark Adams told an online media panel on Saturday evening. said after the executive meeting. .

Negative impact on other sports

An IOC announcement warned that the World Cup’s shortened rhythm would also have a negative impact on other sports, including tennis, cycling, golf, gymnastics, athletics and Formula 1. “This would undermine the diversity and growth of the sport outside of football,” it said.

A FIFA Technical Advisory Group, chaired by director Arsene Wenger, proposed hosting the World Cup every two years, and shortened the pace to continental tournaments such as the European Championship. As a result, the change should eventually take effect with 48 countries in the United States, Canada and Mexico for the first time since the 2026 World Cup. The federations’ tournaments will then be held in 2027. In the already planned EM year 2028, the next World Cup was due to take place again.