Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has thrown his weight behind proposals to stage the FIFA World Cup every two years.
The controversial concept is the brainchild of FIFA president, Gianni Infantino.
World football's governing body has green-lit a feasibility study into making the sport's showpiece a biennial event.
"It is time to review how the global game is structured, and to consider what is best for the future of our sport," Infantino said.
He added, "A wide-reaching analysis is suggested, looking not only at the direct impact on both the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women's World Cup taking place every two years, but also considering the qualifying competitions for these tournaments.
"Having fewer, yet more competitive national team matches could potentially address concerns regarding player welfare whilst, at the same time, enhancing the value and merits of such competitions."
Earlier this summer, New York Times reporter Tariq Panja warned that a charm offensive was underway, orchestrated by FIFA.
Ex-players like Yaya Touré and Javier Mascherano - signed up to their 'Legends' program - have already given public backing to a project that appears unpopular with the project.
Keep an eye out for comments supporting Gianni Infantino’s move for the World Cup to be held every two years by ex-players signed up to FIFA’s « legends » program. We’ve had Yaya Toure and Mascherano. This isn’t organic. This is part of a PR push.
— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) August 20, 2021
Now Wenger - director of development at FIFA - has continued the association's public relations push.
Speaking to L'Équipe, the 71-year old has backed a condensing of the international calendar.
"The principle would be a grouping of qualifiers every year, and at the end of the season a major competition, World Cup or continental championship," Wenger said.
"Between the two qualifying windows, the player would stay in his club all year round.
"There must be less of a mix in the calendar between the periods of club football and periods of international football, and therefore fewer transcontinental trips for the players, for example."
He added, "For the players, there will be no more matches, and there will be compulsory rest after the final stages, at least 25 days.
Wenger feels a biennial World Cup could be a reality by 2028
"What people want today are high-stakes, easy-to-understand competitions," he said, claiming there is "no financial intention behind it".
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