UPDATE - Turkey, Germany against idea of biennial football World Cup

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

UPDATES WITH RESPONSE FROM TURKISH FOOTBALL FEDERATION, CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey and Germany on Friday opposed the idea of holding a FIFA World Cup every two years.

In a statement, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) said it has been following the situation of possible revised international calendar for some time, and is concerned about serious financial troubles for the clubs, and mental fatigue on the players expected in case of a possible change.

It said that major international tournaments have value, and attract more attention since they are held less frequently.

The federation said it supports the current international calendar, and a World Cup should be held once in four years.

Earlier, the German Football Association (DFB) expressed full support to UEFA's position that a decision on such an important matter cannot be taken without the consent of European football associations.

The association listed several reasons for its decision, including immense physical and mental strain on national team players if they play major international tournaments every year in succession.

Last week, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin dismissed the idea, warning of a potential European boycott of the World Cup if FIFA's plans go ahead.

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has also criticized the plan, saying that the proposed changes would make circumstances extremely difficult for both the clubs and nations.

Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president in charge since 2016, is said be a supporter of the biennial World Cup idea.

Saudi Arabia formally proposed its feasibility study at a virtual FIFA meeting in May.