Why Is The FIFA World Cup Held Only Every Four Years?
By Space Coast Daily // November 17, 2022
The World Cup is an international quadrennial tournament. The first World Cup was held in 1930 and it’s been held every four years since. The only time that was an exception was because of World War II in 1942 and 1946.
Now you may be wondering why four years? Why not more, or why not less? S188 Sportsbook Malaysia has listed why the World Cup is held every four years.
1. Adequate time for the host nation to prepare
Bidding and hosting the World Cup tournament are not easy tasks. FIFA will invite member nations to bid and usually will begin seven years before the tournament (although there is no official duration set).
The host nation will be notified of the successful bid and begin preparing to host the tournament. This includes building stadiums, infrastructures, and transportation for the tournament. The host nation must also ensure that its healthcare and security systems are satisfactory for a world-class event.
Fun fact: Qatar’s World Cup spending is estimated to be around $ 6.5 billion. This was spent building eight stadiums across five cities, a new metro line, an airport, roads, and other infrastructure for the 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup.
Many aspects need to be taken into consideration. Hence, the host nation needs to be given ample time to prepare. This ensures fans and players will experience the best.
2. World Cup Qualifiers take a long time
31 out of the 32 teams are chosen to play in the World Cup tournament based on the World Cup Qualifiers. Over 200 teams are competing to qualify for that 31 spots.
Thus, the process starts as early as three years before the tournament and can last for as long as two years to cater to the immense amount of matches needed for the qualifiers. Not to mention the limited international breaks given to players.
Moreover, continental competitions need to be held. For example, the Africa Cup of Nations is held biannually while competitions like the Euros and Copa America are held quadrennially.
This means that the timing of each competition is well planned to ensure they are not held within the same year as the World Cup. If players are to play competitions back to back, injuries might increase, which brings us to the next reason on our list.
3. Injury-prone players
Players are already facing intense pressure from their clubs with tight schedules. If the World Cup was to be held more regularly, the qualification process might also be rushed.
We have more players playing around the world than ever before. Hence, it would be extremely draining for players to travel thousands of miles regularly for their international duties when they are given limited time off from their club duties. We will see players more susceptible to injuries on and off the field.
Players need ample rest to recover. Not only does this help with their performances during the tournament, but it also ensures they provide us with the best entertainment.
We surely don’t want our favourite players to be out of the biggest competition of their lives. This is the moment they have been looking forward to.
4. Maintain novelty and increase value
The World Cup would lose its novelty and value if held too regularly. Do you know what they say? Good things come to those who wait. And yes, that includes waiting patiently for four years. We wouldn’t call it the most anticipated football tournament if otherwise.
This is not only perceived in this manner by fans but also by the players participating in the tournament. Imagine having only two to three shots (if they’re lucky to be called up each time) to try and win the most coveted medal in football history. Chances are, players will be more determined to play well and break records, as there is no trying again next year.
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