FIFA announced on Monday that it will meet with national team coaches this week to discuss the contentious proposal to hold the men’s World Cup every two years.
The suggestions, which have been heavily criticized by UEFA and CONMEBOL, as well as the International Olympic Committee, coaches, and players, will be discussed on Tuesday and Thursday.
“The discussions will be led by FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsene Wenger and will include a range of talking points, including player health, international windows, the frequency of FIFA World Cup finals and other important issues in the game,” football’s governing body said.
“As a coach of the men’s national teams, their input is essential,” former Arsenal boss Wenger said in FIFA’s statement.
“Opportunities for us to come together are few and far between, but we must embrace these occasions as such dialogue helps us all to protect the unique place that football has in the world and to make it truly global.”
Every men’s national team coach has been invited to attend online videoconferences this week to discuss a potential new calendar from 2024.
The online meetings are slated for Tuesday 19 October 2021 and Thursday 21 October 2021.
Since its inception in 1930, the World Cup has been held every four years, with the exception of World War II cancellations.
Major continental events, such as the European Championship and the Copa America, should be held every two years, according to FIFA.
FIFA is expected to release a report on the concept in November, ahead of a worldwide summit by the end of the year.
