Former Ivorian international, Yaya Toure has thrown his weight behind decision to stage the Fifa World Cup every two years, insisting it will help develop football in Africa.
Recall that during an annual Congress in May, the world soccer governing body agreed to have a feasibility study on making the showpiece a biennial competition.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick had defended Fifa’s decision to conduct the study, as reechoed by the Ivorian legend — who believes organising the tournament every two years will make meaningful impact on the continent.
“Playing the World Cup every two years will help Africa to develop and it’s crucial for African players to compete more at the highest level to gain valuable experiences. I want to see African countries and players to achieve more at the biggest stage,” the four-time African Footballer of the Year tweeted.
Pinnick recently stressed that the review of the four-year cycle would lead to more development and experience for less developed nations.
“It’s a fact that competing at the highest level helps the less developed countries to raise their level,” Pinnick was quoted as saying.
“It increases their experience and helps them to learn from mistakes. It is also a key way to bring a country and its’ key stakeholders behind an objective; including the fans, the sports authorities, and also governments. When people can see that a result is achievable, that it’s realistic, and that everyone can commit seriously to it.
“It makes sense every way we look at it. The World Cup every two years will not lose prestige and global audiences will still stop to see the spectacle. People need to come out of their comfort zone. The world is moving at incredible speed and football needs to adapt. The quality and appetite for a great competition doesn’t come from the fact that it’s rare.
“The FIFA Confederations Cup was played every four years and it wasn’t really significant. On the other hand, we have the AFCON played every two years and Africa stops to see it with incredible passion. And we can still keep playing it every two years!” he added.
