Clubs blast Arsene Wenger’s plan for World Cup every two years as Ajax chief Van der Saar warns Fifa ‘we won’t have it’

EUROPEAN clubs have blasted Fifa’s plans for a World Cup every two years.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino wants to turn it into a biennial event from the 2026 tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

Yet top clubs including Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Uefa chief Alexander Ceferin, waged war against the proposals — outlined by Fifa bigwig Arsene Wenger.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, now Ajax chief exec, emerged from yesterday’s three-hour meeting and fumed: “The clubs are not having it. It is a ludicrous idea. There is a lot of opposition. It would change everything.

“Football is all about clubs first and has to be. We must put the players first and this would not do that. The Leagues will also have the same view.”

New European Club Association chief and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi added: “The mood of the clubs was very good and straight to the point.

“A World Cup every two years must not happen.”

Ceferin, speaking at the ECA general assembly, said: “More is not always better. Fifa is conducting a feasibility study into holding a World Cup every two years.

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“We think that the jewel of the World Cup had value precisely because of its rarity.

“Holding it every two years will lead to more randomisation, less legitimacy and unfortunately dilute the World Cup itself.

“Our players do not need to spend more of their summers consuming tournaments rather than spending it in relaxation with their families.”

And Cerefin was backed by representatives of clubs across the continent.

But Infantino, who gave a virtual address to the meeting, said: “All clubs, leagues, associations and fans will be involved in the consultation about the calendar.

“We have to protect the players but we need to rethink the calendar fundamentally and there are no taboo topics. We must give to the fans even more reason to enjoy our sport.”

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