October 1 – Belgium coach Roberto Martinez, whose team top the world rankings but have failed to win the world championship, opposes FIFA plans to stage the World Cup every two years, arguing the frequency would “devalue” the tournament.
Martinez (pictured), in Nations League finals mode, said that he hadn’t received “an official explanation” from FIFA over the biennial proposal, but doesn’t think the idea has much merit, becoming the latest high-profile voice active in the game to question the plans.
“It is true that international football needs to be reviewed,” said Martinez in a news conference on Friday. “Having a World Cup every two years is not something that is positive for football. Football sees the World Cup the way it is because it happens every four years. To see players that played in five, six World Cups makes sense. It sets the standards. If all of a sudden we get players who can play in 8 or 9 World Cups, it would devalue a lot.”
His assistant coach and former Arsenal star Thierry Henry also questioned the biennial plans in his role as pundit with CBS sports. He said: “Have you actually asked the current players what they think? The ones playing. do not think so. Why would the current players have a problem? I will tell you. An example is that I played at four World Cups and in some Euros. I can tell you that I was shattered mentally after them.
“It is not just the games, but the preparation and getting back to your club. If you play every two years, mentally that is a tough blow. I am not talking about travelling. I am talking about playing those games and the pressure that comes with playing for France, for example. Players struggle with that.”
Martinez’s comments echo the position of the Belgian FA (KBVB).”The World Cup requires a unique character, and that is every four years,” said the KBVB’s CEO Peter Bossaert previously. “The trophy should remain a scarce commodity.”
The Belgian FA is showing a united front in opposition to Zurich’s proposed dramatic overhaul of the international calendar, but south of the border, in France, there is discord. Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps criticised the idea, claiming the move would “trivialise” the tournament. However, French FA (FFF) president Noel Le Graët has come out in support of FIFA’s plans, breaking European ranks. Previously, both Germany and Portugal denounced Zurich’s ideas.
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