Sunday 9 December 2018

FIFA firm on Club World Cup, task force meets

FIFA firm on Club


FIFA task force has discussed the possible formats, dates and slot allocations for the proposed Club World Cup and a Global Nations League.
A panel set up by football’s world governing body, FIFA, at its maiden meeting to discuss revamping the Club World Cup and creating a global Nations League did not address a $25 billion funding offer from Japanese investor Soft Bank, which is closely associated to the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth.
The task force, with members from all six continental governing bodies, looked only at “technical and sporting elements” of new events for clubs and national teams, says FIFA.  The panel will propose at least one version of each competition to a March 15 meeting in Miami of FIFA’s ruling council.
FIFA says “parallel consultation” will also continue with clubs, league and player unions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has this year pushed a $25 billion, 12-year offer from Japanese investor Softbank, which has close ties to Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth. European football officials blocked approval, citing FIFA’s secrecy about the no-tender deal,thestate.com has reported.
The task force set up to examine FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s plans for the new Club World Cup and a Global Nations Leagueat its first meeting looked into the possible formats, dates and slot allocations.
Infantino has proposed a revamped Club World Cup every four years with up to 24 teams, while his Nations League would take the form of a mini World Cup with an eight-team final tournament every two years.
However, FIFA President’s financial and funding proposal about a $25 billion investment by a consortium over a 12-year-cycle in return for 49 per cent ownership of the competitions did not come up for discussion at the meeting.
The task form is entrusted to suggest into the format of Club World Cup, it would also look at the number of teams and who would qualify. For the Nations League it would consider the impact on qualifying competitions for existing continental competitions and the World Cup.
FIFA said the task force consisted of members appointed by the six continental confederations, while a “parallel consultation” would take place with clubs, players and leagues.
The proposals will be presented to the next FIFA Council meeting in Miami in March.

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