IOC says that the Cup every two years harms other sports and increases inequalities

Through an official statement, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) took a stand this Saturday on FIFA’s plan to hold the World Cup every two years. The Olympic organization was against the decision of the International Federation, reiterating that reducing the period of the event could bring problems for other sports and harm the calendar of women’s football, which would increase gender inequality. The impact on the physical and mental health of athletes is another point that the IOC puts forward as an argument for the change not to be made.

With the lighting of the Olympic flame for #Beijing2022 to take place on Monday in Ancient Olympia, the IOC Executive Board today made decisions relating to the upcoming Olympic Winter Games and received updates on the preparations.https://t.co/C5a4NiV14y

— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) October 16, 2021

“Several international federations of other sports, national football federations, clubs, players, player associations and coaches have already expressed many reservations and concerns about plans to generate more revenue for FIFA,” the IOC wrote.

According to the note, the change in the calendar could hinder the holding of other sporting events, such as tennis, cycling, golf, gymnastics, athletics and Formula 1. The committee understands that it would bring an “imbalance” in diversity and the development of others. sports.

“Increasing attendance and shortening the interval between each World Cup would create a confrontation and imbalance with other major international sports. This includes tennis, cycling, golf, gymnastics, swimming, athletics, Formula 1 and many others. diversity and the development of other sports besides football”, argued the organization.

In relation to women’s football, the IOC points out that the greater frequency of the men’s world tournament would also hinder the organization of the event for the women’s category and, mainly, harm the promotion of the sport in the world.

The topic has been discussed by FIFA in recent months and supported by Gianni Infantino, president of the organisation. Last Wednesday, the Swiss-Italian traveled to Israel and returned to make favorable comments about the change, saying that the new period would make football “truly global”.

“The IOC shares these concerns and supports the appeals of football stakeholders, International Sports Federations and major event organizers for wider consultation, including with athlete representatives, which obviously did not happen.” .