Fifa

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsene Wenger’s plan to have a World Cup every two years is greed mixed with madness

      by

      BUOYED by the support of smaller nations, Fifa may well get their own way and later in this decade there will be a World Cup every two years.Enticing? Sounds to me more like greed with a touch of madness.
      European clubs ae ‘horrified’ by Arsene Wenger’s ‘attack on the football calendar’Credit: Getty
      The man behind it is Arsene Wenger, who left Arsenal in 2018 and is now Fifa’s Chief of Global Football Development.
      It was said Wenger’s thoughts outside the box became rather stale at the Emirates, although in hindsight I’m not sure Arsenal supporters now see it that way.
      But with the whole football planet his responsibility he has managed to put Europe, and Uefa in particular, on the defensive. 
      The continent’s clubs are horrified by his  attack on the football calendar.
      They believe, as I do, that a biennial World Cup is no more than a bid for Europe’s riches.
      Fifa have made several previous attempts to undermine Uefa but none of them close to this.

      BETTING SPECIAL GET RONALDO TO SCORE AGAINST NEWCASTLE ANYTIME AT 30/1 OR FIRST AT 50/1
      They tried with the Club World Cup and there were suspicions the world body was supportive of the crushed European Super League.
      Uefa responded by filling some of the shrinking summer space with their new Nations League.
      Wenger knew all too well the calendar of competitions was fuller than a call girl’s diary and proposed an extra World Cup  to kill off a few of them — football competitions, that is, not call girls.
      The Frenchman is acquainted with money matters. It’s said he was the one that helped balance the books during the rebuilding of the old Highbury.
      So, I wonder if President Gianni Infantino and his Fifa committee were behind the assault on their rivals’ monopoly of three summers out of four — which produces mountains of TV money —  rather than Wenger himself.
      Aleksander Ceferin, holed up in Nyon, Switzerland, would like to shoot down Arsene’s ambitions.
      The Uefa president’s problem is that  Infantino has the ammunition.
      President Gianni Infantino and his Fifa committee promoted the Club World Cup, undermining UefaCredit: Reuters
      Simply, Fifa is highly popular with delegates from other nations, from Tuvalu to Tajikistan.
      No surprise. Each country, no matter how big or small, has one vote in Congress.
      Bear in mind, that delegates at World Cups and Fifa events are treated like kings — the finest hotels, big cars, the best seats, no wonder so many of them know exactly who butters their bread. And how to vote.
      Uefa have one defence. Their clubs generate all the money.
      When it comes down to it, though, they are close to powerless.
      I doubt there was a Uefa country that voted for the  2022 finals to go to Qatar. What’s more, it is to be held in October and November.
      Appeals are being made — once every four years provides gloss and rarity, there’s too much football already, players will be exhausted and risk injury, clubs will continue to pay wages that are surely a responsibility of the federations.
      Infantino promises corruption  has been eliminated. I’d like to believe in fairies, too. 
      Patrick Vieira compares Ian Wright and Harry Kane but adds Thierry Henry is still the greatest in the world More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England to move up to third in world international rankings despite disappointing last-gasp draw with Poland

      by

      ENGLAND will move up to third place in the new Fifa world rankings – despite Poland’s injury-time equaliser in Warsaw.Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 finalists will leapfrog France to move into the top three for the first time since September 2012.
      Boss Gareth Southgate and goalscoring skipper Harry Kane had to settle for a draw in Poland after Damian Szymanski’s late equaliserCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Roy Hodgson was the boss in the immediate aftermath of Euro 2012 when England were last so high – for just two months – on the only previous occasion since the rankings were introduced in 1992.
      Belgium remain top of the pile, with Brazil second and England – 47 points adrift of the South Americans – ahead of France by a single point.
      But the new rankings table, to be confirmed next week, demonstrates the advances England have made under Southgate, who took over in 2016 with the team down in 12th after the Euro 2016 fiasco.
      European champions Italy, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Mexico and Denmark will complete the top 10.
      And with Fifa expected to use the rankings to determine the seven nations who will join hosts Qatar at the top of the seeding pots for the 2022 World Cup, it means Southgate’s men are almost certain to be in the elite group.
      Of the other Home Nations, Wales will stay 19th, Scotland rise three to 46th and Northern ireland are also up three, to 48th, while the Republic of Ireland will drop four to 51st.
      The Three Lions had only been denied six straight wins in their World Cup qualifying group when Damian Szymanski’s header sparked Polish delight by cancelling out Harry Kane’s superb opener.
      BETTING SPECIAL GET RONALDO TO SCORE AGAINST NEWCASTLE ANYTIME AT 30/1 OR FIRST AT 50/1

      And Southgate has defended failing to make any substitutions – despite England seeming to fade in the closing stages.
      He said: “We were playing well, we were in control.
      “At those moments, it’s not easy to come on as a substitute and we would be taking people off for the sake of it, frankly.
      “We were in total control, there was no issue, why disrupt it when you’re in control?”
      Gareth Southgate reacts to heated England game against Poland More

    • 175 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Fifa want to stage World Cup every two years – but not everyone’s convinced

      by

      EVERY four years, life stands still as the greatest show on earth – the football World Cup – unfolds.After a month of drama, tension and joy, a record 3.6billion people – half the planet’s population – watched the 2018 final between France and Croatia.
      Fifa want to stage the World Cup every two years insteadCredit: PA:Press Association
      Billions around the world tuned in to watch England and other countries playCredit: Getty
      Now moneybags organisers Fifa want to change it from 2026.
      Led by their chief of global football development, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, they want to stage the tournament every two years instead.
      It left many fans wondering whether, even for the World Cup, you can get too much of a good thing.
      England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed he is “open-minded” about the proposal.
      But Gareth Bale, the Wales forward, is not keen.
      “I like the tradition of every four years,” he said.

      “It has the prestige, like the Olympics, coming around every four years.”
      And Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets said decision-makers “do not care enough about the players”.
      So is Wenger’s plan a work of genius or will it ruin the magic of the cup?
      Here, The Sun’s Head of Sport Shaun Custis and England goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton argue for and against the divisive proposal.
      YES – says The Sun’s Head of Sport Shaun Custis
      YES, let’s get on with it. As Alan Partridge might say: “Back of the net.”
      A World Cup every two years gets my vote for one big reason – there will be more meaningful, competitive England matches and less of the nonsense we had to suffer at the weekend.
      Shaun says: ‘A World Cup every two years gets my vote for one big reason – there will be more meaningful, competitive England matches and less of the nonsense we had to suffer at the weekend’Credit: The Sun
      We’ve had to put up with one-sided games against the likes of Andorra in qualifying ­campaigns for far too long.
      Part of the biennial World Cup plan is that the minnows will have to pre-qualify to earn the right to mix it with the big boys, and that’s how it should be.
      There would also be fewer friendlies where nobody is the slightest bit interested in the result. Hurrah to that.
      Over the past three years we’ve had a World Cup, a Euros and two extremely competitive Nations League competitions which have whetted the appetite for proper games – and no more of those glorified kickabouts.
      Whatever football supporters say about how they love their club far more than England, when the major tournaments come round they pack the pubs and the fan parks (Covid permitting) and scream themselves hoarse for the national team.
      Arsenal loyalists cheer on Harry Kane, Manchester United ­supporters hail Raheem Sterling.
      They don’t like to admit it but they do. And while Uefa is raging against the idea, watch them go for a Euros every two years too if the World Cup plan succeeds.
      Then we’ll have a high-profile competition every year – happy days.
      You could have put your house on the top European clubs kicking up an almighty stink.
      They claim all this will affect players’ welfare but that’s a smokescreen.
      What they are really upset about it is the effect on their lucrative pre-season tours, because players will have to get time off after the World Cup.
      They don’t care much about welfare when they are dragging their stars half- way around the world to fulfil sponsors’ demands.
      The mastermind behind the plan is ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, now Fifa’s head of global football development.
      Mind you, when he was Arsenal boss he never stopped moaning when any of his players were away on international duty and came back late or injured.
      The poacher has truly turned gamekeeper and is making no ­apologies for it.
      So here’s to England winning the 2028 World Cup – after we’ve won it in 2022 and 2026, of course!
      NO – says Peter Shilton, who played in three World Cups
      WHEN I first heard talk of holding the World Cup every two years I thought it was a wind-up
      But former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and football’s governing body are serious about the idea.
      Peter Shilton says: ‘I played in three World Cups for England and it is the ultimate moment in your career’Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The World Cup is already the biggest tournament in sport, so there is no need to make it any bigger.
      Lifting the golden trophy is what every football player dreams of.
      As a young player, my ambition was to represent my country on the biggest stage.
      I played in three World Cups for England and it is the ultimate moment in your career.
      You know the chance has to be grabbed because it doesn’t come round very often – and that adds to the incredible tension every time the ball comes close to the goal.
      If you get knocked out, you may never get another chance.
      Making it a biennial event would reduce the fervour and devalue this clash of nations.
      As a player I would be totally against it.
      Top-class footballers are playing almost the whole year round as it stands.
      Those England stars that reached the final of the Euros this summer hardly enjoyed any rest before they were thrown back into the cut-and-thrust of the Premier League.
      The domestic game just keeps expanding with more and more competitions, leading to more injuries.
      How will they squeeze in twice as many World Cups? It doesn’t sound workable.
      The Euros is very special, as we saw this summer, so that shouldn’t be shoved to one side
      There needs to be ample time to qualify for both the World Cup and Euros and build up excitement around these events.
      I can see the point of the lowest-ranked teams such as Andorra having pre-qualifying games for World Cup qualifiers because they have no chance of reaching the finals.
      But that should be introduced to the current four-year schedule.
      Generally, fiddling with formats produces no clear benefit to fans and is instead about money.
      The 2026 World Cup held in Canada, the US and Mexico will be the largest ever, with 48 countries taking part.
      Doubling the number of big ­tournaments is an idea too far.
      We shouldn’t be fixing something that isn’t broken.
      The ­current system is perfect.
      We are in danger of reaching a saturation point and need to ­realise you can have too much of a great thing.
      England manager Gareth Southgate comments on the possibility of having a FIFA World Cup every two years More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Fifa launch investigation after England players racially abused by Hungary yobs in World Cup qualifying win

      by

      FIFA have vowed to take ‘adequate action’ after launching an investigation into the racism that marred England’s World Cup qualifying win in Hungary.Monkey chants were heard from behind the Puskas Stadium goal where England scored their four second half goals in the 4-0 win to enhance their position at the top of Group I.
      England stars were subjected to terrible abuseCredit: Reuters
      Yobs aimed disgusting chants at England starsCredit: Reuters
      Raheem Sterling and other black players were booed, as was the entire team when they took the knee before kick-off, while plastic beer glasses were thrown at Southgate’s players as they took corners and celebrate their goals.
      The FA immediately announced it was asking Fifa to investigate.
      And now Zurich has announced it will act after receiving the official reports from the match officials and delegates.
      The world body said: “First and foremost, Fifa strongly rejects any form of racism and violence and has a very clear zero tolerance stance for such behaviour in football.
      “Fifa will take adequate actions as soon as it receives match reports concerning yesterday’s Hungary-England game.”
      Hungary were handed a three-match fan ban by Uefa following the incidents of racism and homophobia by fans during Euro 2020.

      But that applies to Uefa tournaments and not Fifa ones.
      Fifa explained: “With regards to the previous Uefa sanction against Hungary, please note that as specified by Uefa at the time, this sanction is to be served in Uefa competitions.”
      But Zurich is now under fierce pressure to prove it is not merely paying lip service to anti-racist causes by actually imposing a significant punishment.
      Prime Minister Boris Johnson slammed the behaviour of the Hungary fans.
      He said: “It is completely unacceptable that England players were racially abused in Hungary last night.
      “I urge Fifa to take strong action against those responsible to ensure that this kind of disgraceful behaviour is eradicated from the game for good.”
      Meanwhile, Uefa is expected to announce today the sanctions it is imposing against the FA – including a likely one-match stadium fan-ban, to be served in the next Nations League campaign – for the violence that overshadowed the Euro 2020 final in July.
      Southgate reacts to England’s win and the racism faced after their World Cup qualifier against Hungary More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea boss Tuchel backs Premier League in World Cup row with Fifa over sending stars to play in ‘red-list’ nations

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL backs the Premier League in the row with Fifa over sending top stars to play in ‘red-list’ countries.Chelsea’s boss has already spoken to Brazil defender Thiago Silva about refusing to travel to Chile next week for their World Cup qualifier.
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has backed the Premier League in its ‘red-list’ row with FIFACredit: Getty
      Tuchel has already spoken to Thiago Silva about not travelling to BrazilCredit: Getty
      Tuchel, 47, said: “We had a conversation very early, when the decision was in doubt.
      “And when we heard about the regulations, like if Thiago goes to a red-list country he will play three times and come back, sit in a hotel for 11 days.
      That would have cost him, in our schedule, five matches, then he would be able to play two matches and then go again on international break.
      “For a player that is paid by and a player for Chelsea, this cannot be the solution.
      “So we were absolutely shocked about the situation.
      “Now I am happy because things are clear and it can only be like this at the moment, that the club’s get protection.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      “I understand the needs of all the national teams but this is the way it is and we need to find other solutions than the ones suggested.”
      Premier League clubs voted unanimously to ban their players travelling to nations which would require quarantine upon return to the UK.
      Tuchel’s main priority is to pick a team capable of beating Liverpool at a packed Anfield this evening.
      He added: “We believe this group can fulfil the target but we can only do it if we can live up to it at the very best level every game.”
      The German is expecting a thought test at Anfield, saying: “Any time when you play at Anfield against Liverpool, it’s one of the toughest challenges that you can face in European football.
      “After that, you’re much smarter about where you are and what your true capacity and performance is.

      “It’s like this tomorrow.
      “We had a good start and Liverpool had a good start so tomorrow we will fight from the first minute to get a good result but it will be a huge challenge.
      “No result will be a decision for the season but of course we are fighting because these are the challenges where we want to prove ourselves.”

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Chelsea release striking 2021-22 blue third kit More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Saudi Arabia ‘considering teaming up with Italy to host 2030 World Cup’ in blow to England’s bid

      by

      SAUDI ARABIA are considering joining forces with a European country in a bid to host the 2030 World Cup, according to reports. And The Athletic claims the Middle Eastern nation is eyeing Italy as a possible partner in a move that could see both countries rivalling a bid from Britain and the Republic of Ireland. 
      Italy are reportedly being eyed as potential World Cup 2030 bid partners by Saudi ArabiaCredit: AP
      Should the oil-rich state succeed in creating an official team-up with the Euro 2020 champs, it will come as a further knock to Britain and Ireland’s dream of hosting the tournament in nine years’ time. 
      SunSport reports the joint bid for the two nations has already been marred by the chaotic and violent scenes that preceded the Three Lions Euros final duel with the Azzurri.
      Ticketless thugs were seen pushing through barriers and shoving spectators and stadium staff at Wembley ahead of England’s historic clash with Italy.
      And 1966 World Cup winner Geoff Hurst is among the influential football figures who fear the incident could harm England’s and the Republic of Ireland’s hosting chances. 
      Although joint bids have previously been off-putting to football’s authorities, it is reported they are now seen as a useful option given the increase in World Cup entrants. 
      From 2026 the number of countries competing in the contest will rise to 48 teams with tournament fixtures increasing to 80. 
      The Athletic claims US firm Boston Consultancy Group is providing guidance to Saudi Arabia on its bid and is reportedly advising them to consider broadening their alliances. 

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s nation are working with US company Boston Consultancy Group on World Cup bid plansCredit: AFP
      And it is reported that one option for consideration is for Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s state to join up with Egypt and Morocco to host the contest. 
      However, it is thought that such a partnership would be a massive challenge in terms of logistics and security. 
      And a European partner such as Italy –  who have already hosted four large-scale international football tournaments in the past 90 years – is thought to be a safer option. 
      The Athletic adds that the potential of the Saudis investing in the revamp of Italy’s stadiums could be a bonus. 
      The two nations are reported to enjoy a warm sporting relationship with Saudi set to host the Italian Super Cup in January 2022. 
      And the country has hosted the contest – which is a match between the Serie A champions and Italy’s cup winners – twice in the past. 
      However, Saudi Arabia’s human rights records could see a joint bid overshadowed by controversy. 
      There are fears chaos caused by ticketless fans at the Euros 2020 final at Wembley could harm a bid from BritainCredit: AP

      The country made headlines worldwide following the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. 
      And it has faced criticism for its involvement in a catastrophic civil war in Yemen. 
      The nation is also thought to hold considerable diplomatic sway as the largest exporter of oil in the world. 
      Ministers hope chaos at Wembley will not harm Britain’s and the Republic of Ireland’s 2030 World Cup bidCredit: James Curley
      TikToker J2hundred films himself ‘sneaking’ into Wembley to watch Euros final after finding ‘gap’ in exit door More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua hits back at Jesse Lingard as pair set up FIFA showdown to ‘see who the real heavyweight champ is’

      by

      HEAVYWEIGHT champ Anthony Joshua has called out his next opponent… Manchester United star Jesse Lingard.Thankfully AJ doesn’t want to meet the winger in the boxing ring, with the two agreeing to do battle on video game FIFA.
      Anthony Joshua, 31, is the king of the ring – but is he the king of FIFA?Credit: PA
      Jesse Lingard, 28, doesn’t think so – and reckons he’ll beat the heavyweight champ on June 21Credit: Getty
      Lingard, 28, was the first to pipe up by tweeting: “So Anthony Joshua thinks he’s king of the ring and FIFA!
      “Well I’m gonna show him June 21 at 11.30am UK time as part of the world’s biggest charity eSports festival Gamers Without Borders
      “Lets see who’s the real heavyweight champ.”
      Gamers Without Borders is a charity aiming to distribute the Covid-19 vaccine to underdeveloped countries.
      Several celebrities have agreed to get involved in the scheme, including Joshua and Lingard.
      AJ couldn’t believe the audacity of Lingard’s tweet, responding: “No chance, Jesse Lingard [followed by a laughing emoji]. See you there.”

      EURO 2020 FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      Joshua’s next opponent in the boxing ring is likely to be Oleksandr Usyk, defending his WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles.
      The 31-year-old needs to beat the undefeated Ukrainian if he wants to keep the dream of a unification fight with Tyson Fury alive.
      The Gypsy King faces Deontay Wilder in their trilogy fight on July 24 and is also under pressure to keep his WBC crown.
      If both British heavyweights can win their respective bouts, one of the biggest fights in British boxing history may finally take place later this year.
      There’s still a chance AJ’s fight with Usyk may collapse, with Andy Ruiz Jr – the only man to defeat Joshua professionally – believed to be waiting on standby.
      Anthony Joshua and son JJ, 5, look dapper as boxer posts cute Father’s Day picture More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fifa President Gianni Infantino is planning a Women’s Club World Cup in bid to ‘revolutionise’ female game

      by

      FIFA President Gianni Infantino has claimed that a new Women’s Club World Cup is being planned in order to shake up the sport.Infantino revealed that it’s his dream to see a female version of the tournament come to fruition following the creation of the men’s one.
      Infantino has claimed that a Women’s Club World Cup is in the processCredit: Reuters
      Speaking to L’Equipe, he said: “My dream is also to see the birth of the very first Women’s Club World Cup.
      “It’s coming very soon. And it will really revolutionize women’s football.”
      The Fifa supremo’s dream will see the top women teams in Europe battle it out with their US counterparts.
      The US national team are current World Champions and their domestic sides are also of high quality but rarely go toe to toe with Europe’s top clubs.
      And the men’s version of the competition, which Liverpool won in 2019, is also getting a revamp.
      It is held every year and usually consists of seven teams, which includes just one from Europe.
      But the new format will be made up of 24 teams and seven will be European.
      The new-look format was meant to unveiled this year but had to be pushed back 12 months due to Covid.
      The FIFA boss reckons it will revolutionise the women’s gameCredit: Getty

      And Infantino is adamant it will become the best club competiton in the world.
      He said: “What I’m sure is that this new competition will eventually become the best club event in the world, and help develop football on all continents.
      “It will offer a real possibility for clubs from all regions to reach the highest level while giving the big clubs, especially European ones, a unique playing field in which to compete.”
      Liverpool won the men’s version of the competition in 2019Credit: EPA
      Qatari royal REFUSES to fist bump female officials at Fifa Club World Cup final awards ceremony More