JAKARTA - Former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger suggested that the UEFA Nations League be eliminated and held the World Cup and European Cup (EURO) every two years to adapt to the 'modern world'.
As is known, the World Cup and European Cup are held every four years, with the World Cup to be held in 2022 while the European Cup will be held next summer after being postponed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Nations League is organized by UEFA to provide a competitive match between the two competitions, with the participating teams currently competing in the second edition of the tournament.
Portugal won the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League, beating Netherlands 1-0 in the final in June 2019 thanks to a goal from Valencia winger Goncalo Guedes in the 60th minute.
However, Wenger said that the average football fan does not care or understand the Nations League. The former French coach is currently the Chair of FIFA Global Football Development since 2019.
On the other hand, Wenger suggested that the European Cup and the World Cup could be held every two years, not every four years so that supporters look forward to international matches.
"We need to get rid of the Nations League and find a clearer competition for everyone to understand," he told Bild as quoted by Antara on Tuesday.
"If you ask people on the street what the Nations League is, you won't find many people who can explain it."
"We need to hold as little competition as possible," he added. "One World Cup and one European Cup each year may be more suitable for the modern world."
According to Wenger, all qualifying matches will be played in just one month, making the process of selling rights to broadcasters and sponsors easier.
Wenger said FIFA had discussed the idea, and he rejected the notion that holding large tournaments more frequently would make the competition lose traction.
"After all, people continue to watch the Champions League every year. Personally, I think it will be a good progress."
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