Back in 2021, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, in his role as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, put research into the idea that the World Cup could be held every two years instead of four.
At the time, there was much pushback from federations on the idea, which has yet to be implemented, and it proved to be the first of many controversial proposals under Gianni Infantino’s reign, being followed by a proposed further expansion from 48 to 64 teams and a failed plan to allow private investment into the tournament.
Speaking on the Football Ramble podcast, former Liverpool and England defender Carragher recalled how Wenger tried to garner support from himself and other retired players.
“I had a little chat with Arsene Wenger… and it was all around this World Cup being every two years,” Carragher said.
“He said, ‘I’d like you to come on this other call with ex-players and we’re going to chat about the ideas going forward.’ I’m like, ‘Brilliant, amazing.’
“…There were foreign players from all over the world. They’re basically talking about the pros of a World Cup every two years. I’m just listening, asking questions. I don’t like the idea.”
After the call, Carragher was then directly asked to back such plans, but the former defender stuck to his guns and refused to be used to push the controversial idea.
“We finish this Zoom,” Carragher continued. “I haven’t said whether I don’t like it or it shouldn’t happen, I’m just chatting with these ex-players.
“And the guy who was organising the Zoom then text me and said, ‘Okay, can you put this out?’ – like supporting it. I was like, ‘No, no, no. Just because I came on the Zoom – I don’t agree with and I don’t want it. I think it’s rubbish.’
“It was almost this feeling of ‘Once you’re in here with us and you’re on this Zoom, we’re all these ex-players and we’re in.’ That was my insight into it with Wenger and Infantino above him: ‘Get all these ex-players in, this makes us look okay’…
“From that, I was like, ‘I’m not having this at all.'”
