FIFPro: Footballers want a World Cup every four years

A survey last November commissioned by FIFPro and local players’ associations such as Greece’s PSAPP shows that the majority of professional footballers prefer the World Cup to remain on a four-year cycle, as opposed to FIFA’s plans to be held every two years.

The International Association of Professional Footballers surveyed more than 1,000 footballers on the capacity and format of the events. The results of the poll contrast with the poll conducted on behalf of FIFA, in which fans voted to hold the World Cup every two years.

Footballers from every continent and seventy different nationalities took part in the FIFPro survey. Of these, 77% of Europeans and Asians said they would prefer the top football event to be held every four years, 63% of Americans and 49% of Africans. The rest of the players shared the election for two years and for three years.

Still, the World Championship rivals the National Championships in terms of players’ favorite tournaments over a four-year period, with 81% either considering it the event or wanting to attend.

Players from medium or smaller markets are also looking for reinforcements for all national team competitions. “Only 21% of players believe that their voice is respected and their welfare is considered at the level of international sports management. Consequently, the survey underscores the need for greater collective discussion in our industry, particularly at the international level.” said FIFPro Secretary General Jonas Baer Hoffman.