
<p>FIFA president Gianni Infantino has doubled down on claims that soccer will become the top sport in North America.</p>



<p>He previously made <a href="https:\/\/www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/los-angeles-toronto-mexico-city-named-world-cup-2026-host-cities-2022-06-16/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">similar remarks</a> when the host cities were announced for the 2026 World Cup.  The governing body of the sport’s president echoed these sentiments on Friday.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="LIVE: FIFA President Gianni Infantino holds a news conference" width="500" height="281" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/NmWhiV1AdS4?start=1530&amp;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h5>Growth of soccer in North America</h5>



<p>When asked about the growth of the sport on the continent, Infantino was confident.  “We are optimistic.  </p>



<p>We are convinced of the power of football.  We are convinced that football will become the number one sport in North America,” Infantino <a href="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmWhiV1AdS4&amp;t=1530s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> as he grimaced.</p>



<p>“Or maybe the number two to start with and then with time,” the FIFA boss continued.  “But we are convinced of the power of our game and you know, the more revenues we can generate the more we can reinvest in the game mainly, in all those countries with zero revenues who depend on us.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FIFA projects 11 billion usd revenue from 2026 World Cup.<br><br>Infantino: &apos;We are more than bullish, we are convinced that the impact of the game will be massive. We are bullish about the power of football. It will become the number one sport in North America.&apos; <a href="https:\/\/t.co/hf8TzgVhiV">pic.twitter.com/hf8TzgVhiV</a></p>— Samindra Kunti (@samindrakunti) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/samindrakunti/status/1603707319413612546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Along with growth predictions of soccer in the area, Infantino also spoke on possible revenue of the next men’s tournament.  FIFA has projected around $11 billion revenue for the 2026 World Cup.  This would be a 50% increase from <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">this year’s competition</a> in Qatar.</p>



<p>“We are more than bullish, I think we are convinced of the impact of the game will be massive.  It has been massive here, it will be incredible in North America,” proclaimed Infantino.</p>



<h5>Revenue growth predictions come down to multiple factors</h5>



<p>As the next World Cup will increase from 32 teams to 48, this would obviously help create more money.  But the FIFA boss also touched on other areas as well.  “More games.  </p>



<p>Revenues will go up in terms of broadcasting, in terms of sponsorship, and in terms of ticketing and hospitality,” said Infantino.</p>



<p>“Let’s not forget that we will play in huge stadiums in North America.  Stadiums which are normally used for American football.  So 70,000 is almost the smallest capacity.”</p>



<p>“We are expecting five million, five-and-a-half million fans traveling specifically for these events.  And we are convinced that football will be booming in North America because we’ll start working immediately.” </p>



<p>FIFA will quickly transition their men’s <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a> attention the day after the current tournament ends on Sunday.</p>


FIFA president Gianni Infantino has claimed yet again that soccer will soon be the number one sport in North America.

FIFA boss says soccer will be top sport in North America - World Soccer Talk

FIFA boss says soccer will be top sport in North America

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>In the latest installment of World Soccer Talk’s newest video series, we discuss plans for a biennial World Cup.</p>
<p>As things stand, the World Cup takes place every four years. After all, it started out that way dating back to the <a href="https:\/\/www.myfootballfacts.com/fifa-world-cup/fifa-all-time-world-cup/fifa-world-cup-final-matches/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original competition in 1930</a>. However, as many passionate soccer fans know, FIFA President Gianni Infantino continues to push plans of making the competition more frequent.</p>
<p>In a recent press release and ensuing conference, Infantino and <span>Arsène Wenger, who now serves as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, presented results of the institution’s research into the feasibility of a biennial World Cup.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>Generally speaking, the findings were positive. In fact, FIFA reported that the consensus of those answering surveys are in favor of a World Cup every two years.</p>
<p>The driving force for FIFA seems to be money. In the press conference, Infantino mentioned the potential financial benefit would generate an additional <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/20/fifa-seeks-to-woo-member-federations-with-big-windfalls-for-biennial-world-cups/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$4.4 billion in revenue</a>. Much of that would eventually trickle its way down to smaller member nations. The end goal, at least according to Wenger and Infantino, is to provide more <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/20/fifa-promises-new-funds-for-member-federations-under-biennial-world-cup-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opportunity to the nations</a> that may not have it. After all, in the 22 World Cups in history, only eight individual nations can say it lifted the famous trophy.</p>
<h3>Breaking down the biennial World Cup</h3>
<p>In this brief video, World Soccer Talk’s Kyle Fansler hosts a chat between Kartik Krishnaiyer and Simon Evans. Evans, the soccer correspondent for Reuters, tracked the development of the biennial World Cup over recent years. This is particularly true since Infantino’s ascension to the Presidency of FIFA.</p>
<p>Krishnaiyer and Evans talk about what went down at the summit from FIFA. There, FIFA presented the findings of the feasibility studies. Also, the pair discuss benefits for FIFA outside of monetary gain. Similarly, the possible consequences for international federations. As many know, CONMEBOL and UEFA recently announced their intentions to go hand-in-hand on a joint Nations League spanning the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, that plan goes against the aims of FIFA’s biennial World Cup.</p>
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/DnbIBHfGSss" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
<p>Be sure to check out <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/sgevans" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simon Evans’s Twitter account</a> and his <a href="https:\/\/www.reuters.com/journalists/simon-evans" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stories for Reuters</a>. <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/kkfla737" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kartik Krishnaiyer</a> appears on the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/podcasts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a>, which releases a new episode almost each week to discuss broadcasting news and noteworthy events throughout the sport.</p>


In the newest episode of a WST video series, Kartik Krishnaiyer and guest Simon Evans discuss FIFA's plans for a biennial World Cup.

Breaking down a potential biennial World Cup with Simon Evans - World Soccer Talk

Breaking down a potential biennial World Cup with Simon Evans

<div id="attachment_353694" style="width: 1210px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-353694" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Playing too many games is one of the main issues surrounding the current landscape of soccer. With international breaks and competitions overlapping with players’ club seasons, there are small windows of true rest.</p>
<p>For instance, players in the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga often cannot take breaks that some of the more privileged receive. In some cases, club sides&nbsp;<em>and&nbsp;</em>international teams need a player to help them accomplish their goals.</p>
<p>Take someone like Pedri. Currently, a hamstring injury sidelines the 18-year-old midfielder. Perhaps, this injury came about because of that massive allotment of minutes the Spaniard played in his debut season. In fact, the 17-year-old arrived from UD Las Palmas prior to the 2020/21 season. Then, he went and played the <a href="https:\/\/www.goal.com/en/news/tokyo-2020-pedri-bruno-fernandes-players-most-matches-2020/1g7ajc48aszry1sfevuuqd3bvi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most games in all competitions</a> across Europeans.</p>
<p>In his first season for Barcelona, the midfielder appeared in 52 games for the club. That’s more than fellow midfielders <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/frenkie-de-jong/leistungsdaten/spieler/326330/plus/0?saison=2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Frenkie de Jong</a> and <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/sergio-busquets/leistungsdaten/spieler/65230/plus/0?saison=2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sergio Busquets</a> as well as <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/jordi-alba/leistungsdaten/spieler/69751/plus/0?saison=2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jordi Alba</a> and the recently departed <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/lionel-messi/leistungsdaten/spieler/28003/plus/0?saison=2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lionel Messi</a>. Although, Pedri played less minutes than all aforementioned players outside of Sergio Busquets in La Liga action. Still, the foundations for playing too many games persist.</p>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-353671 size-medium" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211103_WST_352199_Sergio-Busquets-300x395.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=395" alt="" width="300" height="395" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Sergio-Busquets-300x395.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Sergio-Busquets-150x198.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Sergio-Busquets.jpg 456w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>Then, internationally, Pedri did not get a chance for a breather. As the player got better over the season, Spain saw <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/pedri/leistungsdaten/spieler/683840/saison/2020/plus/1#gesamt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his usage rise</a> as well. In 2021, Pedri played in three World Cup qualifiers, six Olympic contests as Spain lost in the gold medal game, six Euro 2020 games with Spain knocked out in the semifinals and one international friendly.</p>
<p>After his exploits in the first nine months of 2021, Pedri picked up an injury after just four appearances for the&nbsp;<em>Blaugrana</em>. This is just one instance of an athlete playing too many games.</p>
<p>Surely, more will come.</p>
<h3>Number of games on the rise</h3>
<p>On the surface, everyone would love more soccer. Contests consistently pitting the world’s best are great, right?</p>
<p>Well, if the backlash to the <a href="https:\/\/thesuperleague.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Super League</a> served as any indication, not all fans crave more games. Of course, the main issue was a lack of competitive balance with a league like that. Yet, it did contribute to discussions regarding a biennial World Cup.</p>
<p>FIFA, in a bid to bring in more money and ‘grow the game’, proposed playing the World Cup every two years. At the same time, FIFA recently upped the number of teams in the competition to 48 ahead of the 2026 World Cup.</p>
<p>The issue with the biennial World Cup could warrant their own discussion. But, regarding an increased number of games, the strain would be intense on players. Already, most players on major European teams play in continental competitions like the European Championship or Copa America in between World Cup years.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/10/20/fifa-wants-biennial-world-cup-consensus-by-december-20/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE:</a>&nbsp;</strong></em><em>FIFA wants biennial World Cup consensus by December 20.</em></p>
<p>Breaking it down, each national competition like that has qualification stages.</p>
<h5>World Cup</h5>
<p>First off, you cannot blame players for not wanting to give their all for their country to reach the World Cup. Qualification for the World Cup varies based on continent and results. Teams play at least 10 games in UEFA qualifying, 18 in CONMEBOL, 16 in CONCACAF, 18 in AFC and eight in Africa.</p>
<p>The reason for ‘at least’ in those numbers is that teams on the bubble enter playoff stages where the squads play at least two more games each.</p>
<p>It’s a grueling road, and that number may decrease when the number of teams in the World Cup increases. Regardless, there is uncertainty in how this number changes with heightened frequency of the World Cup. As of now, World Cup qualifying begins two years outside of the upcoming World Cup. Qualification would be more rapid if it is to follow a similar format to one employed by the different federations currently.</p>
<p>Practically, there is uncertainty. And, in a game where some players play in over five different competitions, uncertainty is an unnecessary risk.</p>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-353414 size-medium alignleft" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211103_WST_352199_Gio-Reyna-1-300x450.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=450" alt="" width="300" height="450" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Gio-Reyna-1-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Gio-Reyna-1-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Gio-Reyna-1.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>Even now, the USMNT saw a handful of players pick up injuries on international duty. <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/chelsea-engchelsea/story/4500687/chelseas-christian-pulisic-really-suffering-to-overcome-injury-thomas-tuchel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christian Pulisic</a> and <a href="https:\/\/bvbbuzz.com/2021/10/09/borussia-dortmund-injury-update-gio-reyna-closing-return/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gio Reyna</a> picked up injuries in the September international break, sidelining them for over two months.</p>
<h5>Continental Cups</h5>
<p>Similar to the World Cup, playing too many games persists already in the likes of the Euros, Copa America, Gold Cup, Cup of Nations and the Asian Cup.</p>
<p>To start, the qualification processes for most of these tournaments resembles that of a World Cup. Of course, the exception is the Copa America, where the 10 CONMEBOL teams automatically qualify for the competition. Then, a World-Cup-length tournament persists for roughly one month across these different federations.</p>
<p>Certain competitions, particularly the African Cup of Nations or AFC Asian Cup, happen during the season. In these cases, players jump from their domestic leagues across the world to a monthlong tournament. After that, their club schedules do not skip a beat.</p>
<p>More often than not, clubs expect their major players such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané or Wilfred Ndidi to jump straight back in. Remember, while European and American international tournaments transpire outside of traditional club schedules, leagues do not take breaks for the Africa Cup of Nations or the AFC Asian Cup.</p>
<p>Still, let’s not cast aside the other confederations. Yes, the Euros, Copa America and Gold Cup occur outside of the traditional club season. Yet, while these players could be recuperating and allowing their bodies to catch up with their schedule, more intense competition takes precedence.</p>
<h5>Nations League</h5>
<p>The aforementioned competitions do not include the Nations League. This competition only started in UEFA following the 2018 World Cup. The purpose of the competition is to replace friendlies with an actual competition. As an added bonus, smaller nations could use UEFA and CONCACAF’s new ‘leagues’ to qualify for other tournaments.</p>
<p>Regardless of opinions on the intensity of the drawn out tournament, it surely means something to the players and coaches. For example, the first <a href="https:\/\/www.ussoccer.com/stories/2021/06/concacaf-nations-league-final-usmnt-vs-mexico-lineup-schedule-tv-channels" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CONCACAF Nations League Final</a> featured Pulisic, Reyna, Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest, all of whom play for prominent European sides that consistently make runs in domestic leagues and cups and continental competition.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/09/29/injured-pulisic-reyna-to-miss-us-world-cup-qualifiers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE:</a>&nbsp;</strong></em><em>Injured Pulisic, Reyna to miss US World Cup Qualifiers.</em></p>
<p>The aforementioned Pedri likely would have started in the UEFA Nations League Final. However, his lingering injury kept him out of the squad.</p>
<h5>Club Competitions</h5>
<p>Let’s not forget, all the aforementioned competitions only happen at the international level. Thirty-six-plus game seasons for clubs, at least one domestic cup and, often for the world’s best players, the Champions League and Europa league dotted on weekdays.</p>
<p>Clearly, some players play too many games. Dependency on those who are more talented causes them to be worn out. Indeed, there are some athletes who are simply monsters that seem to not need rest. For example, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount served critical components to their teams that each made deep runs in European competition. They finished last season second and third in terms of <a href="https:\/\/www.goal.com/en/news/tokyo-2020-pedri-bruno-fernandes-players-most-matches-2020/1g7ajc48aszry1sfevuuqd3bvi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">appearances overall</a>.</p>
<h3>Remedies for playing too many games</h3>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-353637 size-medium" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211103_WST_352199_Infantino-300x185.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=185" alt="" width="300" height="185" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Infantino-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Infantino-600x370.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Infantino-150x93.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Infantino-768x474.jpg 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Infantino-223x137.jpg 223w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Infantino.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>There are certain characters that are in favor of an increased workload for players across world soccer. Notably, many of these names come from higher-ups. The main culprit is perhaps the push by FIFA for the biennial World Cup.</p>
<p>For example, Gianni Infantino, the current FIFA President, received major backlash from independent nations. <a href="https:\/\/apnews.com/article/soccer-sports-2020-tokyo-olympics-world-cup-gianni-infantino-852c9b3684c356a427985173752ad5d0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Portugal, Italy and Switzerland</a> are just a few examples of this. Also, those nations have players that represent club teams that play practically from August until May. This leaves just June and July, which, even then, often mean time spent with the international teams.</p>
<p>One major critic of the biennial World Cup is UEFA President <span>Aleksander Ceferin. Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s promises of providing unity in the game, Ceferin suggested UEFA could boycott FIFA’s biggest tournament if the organization moves away from its quadrennial format.</span></p>
<p>Ceferin’s reasoning? He says the increased workload for teams would “<a href="https:\/\/www.skysports.com/football/news/12098/12403175/uefa-president-aleksander-ceferin-warns-biennial-world-cup-plans-could-lead-to-european-boycott" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kill football</a>.” More eloquently, the UEFA President argues it would put such a strain on clubs and players alike that it would simply not be feasible.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“To play every summer a one-month tournament, for the players it’s a killer. If it’s every two years it clashes with the Women’s World Cup, with the Olympic football tournament,”</em> Ceferin told&nbsp;<em>The Times</em>.</p>
<p><em>“The value is precisely because it is every four years, you wait for it. It’s like the Olympic Games, it’s a huge event. I don’t see our federations supporting that.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Similarly, we already see some people call for fewer games as it is. No more 60+ games for Bruno Fernandes, Pedri or any other overly used player like that.</p>
<h5>Redrafting the Soccer Calendar</h5>
<p>In 2018, then-European Club Association Chairman Andrea Agnelli called for “<a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/blog-uefa/story/3432894/europes-top-clubs-call-for-fewer-games-and-speedier-ffp-cases" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mandatory rest periods</a>” and a redesign of some competitions. While some, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, want expanded competitions and thus more games, Agnelli mentioned the overworking of players.</p>
<blockquote><p><span><em>“They’re playing week in, week out, two or three games a week, be it at club level or a national team level,”</em> Agnelli said. </span></p>
<p><span><em>“So when we think about the calendar going forward we must also take into consideration weeks when players can actually rest and/or train. So reducing the overall number of games.”</em></span></p></blockquote>
<p>Of course, Agnelli hampered any credibility on the topic with his devotion towards the failed European Super League. He resigned from his positions on the European Club Association and with Juventus. Regardless, he makes a good point in terms of mandatory resting periods.</p>
<p>In most leagues, the winter break is a good way to get bodies back up to par. Even then, extensive training limits any true recuperation. Then, in England, the lack of a winter break reinforces the idea of overextending players.</p>
<h5>Editing Competitions</h5>
<p>We’re all fans of great games, underdogs and dramatic storylines. They seem inherent with the beautiful game. Theoretically, more games opens up more opportunities to that.</p>
<p>Derek Rae, one of the world’s most notable commentators, said expanding the number of teams in the World Cup did not create any kind of problem when it jumped from 16 to 24 and 24 to 32. Therefore, we’ll have to see how that impacts the understanding of the competition. It seems to work well with the UEFA European Championships. After all, Iceland’s run in 2016 captured the emotions of soccer fans across the world.</p>
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/wnK4D0dy6mE" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
<p>Rather, the issue comes with frequency. As merely a writer, I am unsure if removing some competitions or reducing the number of teams or intensity is the solution.</p>
<p>One thing is for certain. We all love when teams like France or Germany play Argentina or Brazil. However, if the competitions stay at the same frequency with the same number of games, there is reason to believe that some countries or clubs will throw out secondary sides to allow major players some form of rest.</p>
<p>In the case of a biennial World Cup, if certain UEFA nations do not boycott every two years, who is stopping these coaches from fielding a ‘senior’ side one tournament, then a younger, more experimental side, in the next rendition two years later?</p>
<h3>Predicting the future</h3>
<p>There is no saying what will happen in terms of the number of games these athletes play each season. There is reason to see them playing more games via expanded international tournaments. Although, certain constituents fight for fewer games than what we currently see.</p>
<p>The higher-ups obviously control the scheduling, and more games tends to mean <a href="https:\/\/www.si.com/soccer/2021/03/31/champions-league-future-format-expansion-swiss-system-criticism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more money</a>. Gianni Infantino is adamant on pushing up the number of games and creating more opportunities for even smaller nations.</p>
<p>However, the soccer world is a powerful body. The immediate shutdown of the European Super League came as a result of fan backlash against their own clubs. <a href="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQIDff1G1JQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gary Neville’s testimonies</a> on Sky Sports seemed to lead the English-language hatred of the proposal.</p>
<p>So, we will have to see the impacts of the public and the players against the executives.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Modern soccer players face the issue of playing too many games, risking the longevity of their bodies and health for immediate results.

How playing too many games takes a toll on soccer players - World Soccer Talk

How playing too many games takes a toll on soccer players

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p><em>For those interested in in-depth soccer reporting, the new Discovery+ soccer documentary may be the new mini-series for you. ‘The Men Who Sold The World Cup’ features exclusive interviews with Sunil Gulati, Jurgen Klinsmann, Landon Donovan, and Sepp Blatter, among many others.</em></p>
<p>Discovery networks owns a reputation for airing outstanding documentaries. Now, Discovery’s streaming platform, Discovery+, takes the leap into soccer documentaries. The two-part series, <em>The Men Who Sold the World Cup</em>, debuts Sunday, October 17 in the United States and Thursday, October 21 globally.</p>
<p>The series looks at one the biggest corruption scandals to date in global sports history. The awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively rocked the sports world. Moreover, the series analyzed the ensuing drama that saw the fall of top officials in the sport throughout the world.</p>
<p>Daniel DiMauro and Morgan Pehme direct the mini-series. The directors’ credits include <em>Get Me Roger Stone </em>and <em>The Swamp. </em></p>
<p>The series is well worth a watch. For one, DiMauro and Pehme dive into a retrospective narrative of the events around the FIFA scandal. Also, there is discussion of the actual investigation from both journalists and law enforcement officials. Moreover, the documentary series features several colorful stories and anecdotes around the main characters in FIFA.</p>
<h3>Discovery+ Soccer Documentary broken down</h3>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-349465 alignright" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211015_WST_349460_Stole-the-WC-300x144.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=144" alt="" width="300" height="144" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Stole-the-WC-300x144.png 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Stole-the-WC-150x72.png 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Stole-the-WC.png 305w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>The documentary series itself is not overly long with just two episodes. However, the series moves quickly. Of course, this has to happen with the wealth of crucial information to be covered.</p>
<p>The following breakdown of the Discovery+ soccer documentary is just a brief summary. Again, Discovery+ airs the documentary on October 17 in the U.S. Moreover, international audiences can watch on October 21.</p>
<h3>Episode One</h3>
<p>Before the title sequence to the first episode, journalist Heidi Blake encapsulates the dilemma.</p>
<p>“What the Qataris and Russians were doing was corruption on an industrial scale. None of the other nations could compete”</p>
<p>This accurately sets the stage for the next two hours of outstanding documentary filmmaking to create a vivid story regarding true crime unfolding.</p>
<p>The first episode features <em>Sunday Times</em> investigators Heidi Blake and Jonathan Calvert. The pair co-authored <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2015/11/28/are-we-numb-to-fifa-scandals-a-review-of-the-ugly-game-book/">The Ugly Game</a>. This book depicts the exposure of the ugly corruption behind Qatar’s bid to host the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/08/10/post-olympics-spotlight-shifts-to-qatar-2022-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2022 FIFA World Cup</a>. The episode follows their investigation that revealed the extent of corruption at the heart of FIFA.</p>
<p>FIFA’s operations are often cloak-and-dagger. Blake and Calvert provide a feel for how difficult getting information and protecting sources is with FIFA. The program moves quickly, starting with giving the background to João Havelange. Audiences quickly see the outright corruption from top to bottom. In fact, Blake and Calvert discuss Havelange’s stewardship of FIFA and how the Brazilian President of FIFA secured his long-term stewardship. Essentially, he reached his position by cultivating African nations. The corruption becomes increasingly apparent over time.</p>
<p>Former FIFA media director Guido Tognoni delivers one of the key takeaways from the first episode.</p>
<p>“Havelange and Blatter cultivated the culture (of corruption) at FIFA,”</p>
<p>To counter, Sepp Blatter speaks to provide his rendition of various events.</p>
<h5>Mohamed bin Hammam</h5>
<p>However, the more compelling stories relate to Qatar’s Mohamed bin Hammam. Bin Hammam rose to become President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the equivalent to UEFA or CONCACAF.</p>
<p>Blake and Calvert uncovered the significant portion of London real estate owned by Qataris. The Emir worked with bin Hammam to turn Qatar into a global showcase through sports and entertainment. No matter the cost, financially or otherwise, there was an unabashed determination to win the World Cup hosting rights.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https:\/\/www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/01/mohamed-bin-hammam-timeline" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The rise and fall of Mohammed bin Hammam</a></em></p>
<p>Later, the first episode turns to journalists uncovering large-scale corruption in world soccer. Also, Americans Sunil Gulati and Landon Donovan speak about the failed U.S. attempts to host the 2022 World Cup. Interviews with Phaedra Almajid bring the narrative even more to life.</p>
<p>For those unaware, Almajid previously handled public relations for the Qatar 2022 bid. Then, she turned to a whistleblower calling out the apparent corruption. Key parts of the narrative are brought to life through the interviews with Almajid.</p>
<div class="ckeditor-em"><iframe loading="lazy" width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A\/\/api.soundcloud.com/tracks/229502960&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/interview-with-jonathan-calvert-about-fifa-corruption" title="Interview with Jonathan Calvert about FIFA corruption" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">Interview with Jonathan Calvert about FIFA corruption</a></div>
<h5>Russia 2018</h5>
<p>In discussing the Russian 2018 bid, the documentary leans heavily on interviews with Christopher Steele. Many Americans know Steele as the author of the controversial <em>Steele Dossier</em>, which played a role in the 2016 Presidential Election.</p>
<p>In the documentary, we learn of Steele’s involvement with the England bid to host the 2018 World Cup. He gathered intelligence of both Russian corruption and a vote-swap with Qatar. This involved a lucrative oil deal between the two nations. Also, discussion permeates on the pressure the Sarkozy government in France put on Michel Platini, the UEFA President at the time. They pressured Platini to <a href="https:\/\/www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jun/18/michel-platini-arrested-over-award-of-2022-world-cup-to-qatar#:~:text=Awarding%20the%20tournament%20to%20Qatar%20has%20been%20mired%20in%20controversy.&amp;text=The%20then%20Fifa%20president%2C%20Sepp,changed%20their%20vote%20to%20Qatar." target="_blank" rel="noopener">switch his support</a> from the USA to Qatar. Not only did Platini flip his vote, but he also brought three others with him.</p>
<p>The sway ensured victory for Qatar.</p>
<p>Later, the episode delves into bin Hammam’s failed bid to wrest the Presidency of FIFA away from Blatter. Bin Hammam played to suspicious circumstances in his withdrawal from the race. Finally, it concludes with the backlash and fallout from <em>The Sunday Times </em>breaking the story on alleged corruption surrounding 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids in 2014.</p>
<h3>Episode 2</h3>
<div id="attachment_349474" style="width: 219px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-349474" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-349474" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211015_WST_349460_Blazer-and-Blatter.webp&amp;width=209&amp;height=114" alt="" width="209" height="114" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Blazer-and-Blatter.png 209w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/Blazer-and-Blatter-150x82.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 209px) 100vw, 209px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-349474" class="wp-caption-text">Chuck Blazer and Sepp Blatter.</p></div>
<p>The second episode features extensive interviews with FBI and IRS investigators. Practically, these services worked to expose criminal behavior in FIFA. Interestingly, FIFA’s structure and culture of personal loyalty among top individuals largely resembled the mob.</p>
<p>Unbeknownst to the journalists working at <em>The Sunday Times</em>, the FBI and IRS in the United States simultaneously worked to expose the corruption in FIFA. Their road to Blatter traveled through Chuck Blazer, the colorful American FIFA Executive Committee member.</p>
<p>Audiences then begin to see the story of the commercial empire Blazer built within the USSF and CONCACAF. The Discovery+ soccer documentary features talks with those who knew Blazer best, including Sunil Gulati and journalist Sam Borden.</p>
<p>Blazer’s opulent lifestyle and failure to pay taxes for over a decade attracted the attention of the IRS. Consequently, this aided the broader FBI investigation into corruption in soccer.</p>
<div id="attachment_160838" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-160838" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-160838" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211015_WST_349460_sepp-blatter4-300x196.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=196" alt="" width="300" height="196" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2015/12/sepp-blatter4-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2015/12/sepp-blatter4-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2015/12/sepp-blatter4-600x393.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2015/12/sepp-blatter4.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-160838" class="wp-caption-text">Photo credit: AFP</p></div>
<h5>More on Sepp Blatter</h5>
<p>Episode two covers marketing agencies and media rights deals extensively. Here, much of the opportunity for corruption took place. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/08/12/swiss-prosecutor-wraps-up-grilling-of-ex-fifa-boss-blatter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sepp Blatter</a> even admits to the failure of those who received grants from FIFA to use the money for the express purpose it was intended. Practically, he admits the money was largely put in people’s pockets.</p>
<p>Even then, Blatter denies any wrongdoing..</p>
<p>Next, audiences see the arrests of significant members of FIFA in Zurich and the fall of Sepp Blatter’s reign. The documentary ponders Sepp Blatter’s role.</p>
<p><em>Did he know? Was he corrupt himself? Was he desperate to keep hold of power resorting to turning a blind eye to the happenings under his leadership? </em></p>
<p>Blatter ponders these questions during an interview. Additionally, he wonders if his ban from the sport as a whole set by Gianni Infantino’s FIFA was fair.</p>
<h3>Discovery+</h3>
<p>This Discovery+ soccer documentary caters to fans of white collar crime stories. Also, it’s a must-watch for those interested in the governance of sports.</p>
<p>Essentially, it is two hours of non-stop information piecing together one of sports’ biggest and most controversial stories in recent memory.</p>
<p>Generally, Discovery+ broadcasts <a href="https:\/\/decider.com/2021/01/04/discovery-plus-channel-lineup-shows/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">channels and content</a> that revolves around entertainment or education, not sport. For example, TLC, Animal Planet, HGTV and Food Network are a few of the channels on the streaming service. At this time, it does not seem important for someone dedicated to only sports.</p>
<p>However, this Discovery+ soccer documentary shows ambition for the platform. In fact, it shows that, with content like this, sports could be on the horizon.</p>
<p>Furthermore, Discovery+ held the rights to broadcast the <a href="https:\/\/www.ft.com/content/9151c075-6387-4295-aca8-96392e181c56" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 Olympics</a> in the United Kingdom. With Discovery+ adding their name to the hat for some soccer rights around the world, there is always potential.</p>
<p><a href="https:\/\/discoverycommunications.pxf.io/c/330866/1164629/14216" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Discovery+</a> plans start at $4.99 per month. But, there is a seven-day free trial period to get to know the service.</p>


This Discovery+ soccer documentary is the first foray from the provider to sports stories. They chose a major storyline with modern consequences in sports.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Gianni Infantino" - Page 3

American Soccer

FIFA boss says soccer will be top sport in North America

FIFA

Breaking down a potential biennial World Cup with Simon Evans

FIFA

How playing too many games takes a toll on soccer players

Discovery

The Men Who Sold the World Cup film chronicles FIFA scandal