A revolution to come. As the planet tries to adapt its practices to climate change, FIFA President Gianni Infantino could well make a big decision about the future of global competitions, and in particular the next World Cup.
This is evidenced by his statements during the general assembly of the European Football Club, the EFC, where Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and Joan Laporta are notably present. The Italian leader announced that he had to demonstrate a certain
“open-mindedness” concerning the global football calendar, in particular the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, and draw inspiration from the model chosen in 2022.
Indeed, the years go by and get warmer. In Qatar, the temperatures reached in the summer were such that the format was forced to take place in winter in order to maintain a bearable level of comfort for the spectators as well as the teams. Enough to inspire FIFA, which is seriously considering adopting new options in the long term.
“We discuss it constantly”
Relayed in particular among the British press, Gianni Infantino's declarations had the effect of a bomb. “We are already in the thick of it, we are constantly discussing itfirst released the president of the football governing body, who continues. It's not just about a World Cup, it's a general reflection. »
According to him, this observation was inevitable. “ Even playing in some European countries, it is very hot in July. So maybe we should think about the best month to play football, June in Europe. We don't use it much, do we? There may be ways to optimize the schedule, but we are discussing it and we will see when we have reached conclusions. You just have to stay open-minded. » The optimization of this calendar would materialize by a globalization of international matches, with the months of“October and March” as periods “where you can play anywhere”.
The 2034 World Cup, planned for Saudi Arabia, is therefore naturally in FIFA's sights given a climate similar to that of Qatar. Euro 2032 in Italy and Turkey, or the 2030 World Cup organized jointly in Spain, Portugal, Morocco and South America could also be the subject of reflection because they are subject to high summer heat.
