Bayern Munich raise concerns about new plans for World Cup

The last few weeks have witnessed a wider debate in the football community regarding the proposal of having the World Cup every two years. Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been vocal in support of this proposal, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino has repeatedly insisted that this idea will help in improving football. Bayern Munich does have a different opinion regarding this situation.

While talking to Kicker (via EuroSport), Bayern president Herbert Hainer insisted that the idea of having the World Cup every two years will have a long-term negative impact on the game. Hainer does admit that financial gains will be more from this idea, but the welfare of players should be a priority.

Along with Hainer, numerous players across Europe have recently voiced their opposition against this idea. The players across various leagues have already been coping with a tight schedule across a season, so adding a World Cup every two years will further increase the fatigue.

If the fatigue keeps on accumulating for players, then the overall career span will be reduced if there are no proper breaks. Moreover, the risk of injuries with excess football could have a damaging impact on the careers of players.

"“Of course I get that this idea is about additional income, and that money is important in professional sports, but we should never sacrifice football for financial interests.”"

The pandemic cramped the schedule for players in the last 18 months. The season was shorter, but the number of games remained the same. Meanwhile, the international games were also increased since FAs do need revenue from friendly games to sustain themselves. In such a scenario, asking players that have been overworked to play a World Cup every two years is not the best idea.

FIFA will need support from Football Associations to put this plan into effect. DFB has already raised its voice against this idea. It will be interesting to see whether Bayern or German internationals also give strong opinions against this idea if it gains momentum in the coming weeks.

The football’s governing body has already made one big change in the World Cup next year. The 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar during winter, which is going to disrupt the next season. FIFA has already been under criticism for holding the World Cup in Qatar at the wrong time of the year. The decision to change the gap between World Cups will further increase the outrage in the football fraternity against the governing body.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich has suffered a blow as Julian Nagelsmann has tested positive for COVID-19. The German coach was not on the sidelines against Benfica on Wednesday due to illness. The club confirmed on Thursday that Nagelsmann was isolating from the group as he traveled alone to Munich. Nagelsmann will have to manage remotely for the next couple of games.