Jamie Carragher has shared insights into FIFA’s methods for garnering public support, recounting a private Zoom call hosted by Gianni Infantino. Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development and former Arsenal manager, was also present on the call.
The former Liverpool player was among several former professionals invited to the video conference, where the concept of a biennial World Cup was discussed. Carragher stated that he disliked the idea but listened to the presentation. However, after the call concluded, he received a text message from one of the organisers requesting him to publicly endorse the idea on social media, a request he declined.
Carragher explained on the Football Ramble podcast that Wenger had invited him to the call to discuss future ideas regarding the World Cup. He noted that the call included former players from various countries, such as Javier Mascherano, who discussed the perceived benefits of a World Cup every two years.
He mentioned that he listened and asked questions during the call, despite his personal disagreement with the proposal. Following the Zoom meeting, the organiser sent him a text asking for public support, to which Carragher responded that he did not agree with the idea and considered it “rubbish.”
FIFA’s approach to player endorsement
Carragher indicated that he quickly understood that the genuine opinions of the former players were not the primary concern for FIFA’s leadership. He suggested that the gathering of ex-players was intended to create an appearance of legitimacy. He stated, “Half of these ex-players, they don’t care.”
The former England defender expressed his disapproval of this approach, saying, “I’m not having this at all.” This experience provided him with an insight into the methods employed by Wenger and Infantino.
FIFA has faced criticism regarding its commercial strategies. Infantino’s attempt to privatise the World Cup through a subsidiary was rejected. Additionally, a previous plan, FIFA Forward Enterprise, which involved spinning off FIFA’s commercial operations and selling a portion to private investors, was met with significant opposition.
UEFA’s 55 member nations reportedly threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan proceeded. This stance was supported by the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, both of whom expressed concerns about transparency. Infantino ultimately withdrew the investment plan.
Ongoing discussions and opposition
Despite the withdrawal of the investment plan, reports suggest that UEFA leaders have lost confidence in Infantino and are preparing to identify a rival candidate for the upcoming presidential election. FIFA has faced criticism over the years, with allegations of corruption and a focus on profit prioritisation.
The idea of a biennial World Cup has not gained significant momentum. However, changes to the tournament format were introduced for the 2026 edition, which will expand to 48 teams and include an additional knockout round. Further reports suggest FIFA is considering an increase to 64 teams by the 2030 World Cup, which marks the tournament’s 100th anniversary.
Both UEFA and CONCACAF oppose the idea of a biennial World Cup, while CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez remains in favour. The 2030 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with additional matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to commemorate the centenary.
Source: aol.co.uk