CAF confirms support for biennial World Cup

CAF President Patrice Motsepe

Sunday Nov 28, 2021. 13:00

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed its support for FIFA’s proposal to hold the World Cup every two years.

A resolution was passed by CAF during its General Assembly on Friday, following a presentation from FIFA’s chief of global development and former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger.

“CAF welcomes the FIFA Congress decision to conduct a feasibility study on hosting men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups every two years,” the CAF resolution read.

“If the FIFA study concludes it is feasible, CAF will fully support hosting the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup every two years.”

Wenger claims that holding biennial men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups every two years was feasible, with the Frenchman also emphasising annual youth tournaments, which would help develop football on the African continent.

European football body UEFA, as well as South America’s CONMEBOL have strongly opposed the biennial idea, though FIFA president Gianni Infantino suggested opponents were seeking to maintain their status at the top of the game.

“It is our responsibility to keep the dream open and give possibilities to everyone,” Infantino said.

“Obviously when you debate and consult you find that some are in favour and others are against, this is democracy, this is healthy.

“It is understandable that those who are against are those at the top, it happens in every sector of life when there are reforms and changes, those who are at the top don’t want anything to change because they are at the top.

“And they are afraid maybe that if something changes, their leadership position is at risk.

“We understand that and we complement and applaud them for having been so successful in reaching the top.

“This is fantastic, and they are an example for everyone.

“But at the same time, we cannot close the door, we need to keep the door open, we need to give hope and opportunities for the entire world.”

Infantino added that a World Cup every two years would give African football more opportunity to shine on the world stage.