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Football

13th Nov 2021

A biennial World Cup is not a “bad” idea, claims Kevin De Bruyne

Callum Boyle

De Bruyne thinks biennial World Cup isn't a "bad" idea

De Bruyne seems to be in favour of a World Cup every two years

Kevin De Bruyne isn’t opposed to a biennial World Cup and claims that having the tournament take place every two years isn’t a “bad” idea.

FIFA are looking at changing the format of the international match calendar after 2024, with a World Cup every two years and longer – but fewer, international breaks.

If plans were approved, it would mean a major tournament would take place every year however UEFA have opposed the plans, whilst the Premier League have also voted unanimously against the proposal.

Kevin de Bruyne with Belgium squad

But as per The Athletic, not everyone seems to be against the idea, with Manchester City‘s De Bruyne feeling that a biennial World Cup could have positive effects – providing everybody works together.

In an interview with news agency, Belga, he said: “At the start of the season, I had a meeting with FIFA and Arsene Wenger to explain to us what they wanted to do.

“To do something like that, federations of all countries, UEFA and FIFA have to coordinate. Everyone has to work together.

“I insisted on a second point: I told them that they had to keep a real period of rest for us, the players, at the end of the season.

“The idea isn’t bad in itself, as long as everyone works together.”

Wenger, who is the current FIFA head of global development, is a keen supporter of having a World Cup every two years and believes it is something that the younger generation want to happen.

“I believe that the players want to play big games, what they don’t want is to play small games,” said the Frenchman.”The big competitions [are] something that everyone wants to play in.

“If I tell you now that you would be world champion, even if it’s for ten minutes, you would say yes.

“Today, if a country doesn’t go to the World Cup, they have to wait for eight years, if a player is injured he doesn’t play for eight years in the World Cup.

“I just believe it’s a reshaping of your mind because it’s unusual.

“But as well, the perception of time has changed and the younger generation want to be entertained much more”

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