No to FIFA bi-annual World Cup - ANOC
MBABANE – The Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) is among the members frowning at FIFA’s proposed bi-annual FIFA World Cup.
EOCGA President Adam Bomber Mthethwa and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maxwell Jele joined the 205 members of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) in taking resolutions during the XXV ANOC General Assembly Crete 2021 in Greece. The ANOC General Assembly also heard the ANOC Acting President’s report regarding the discussions in FIFA proposing to hold the FIFA World Cup every second year.
The meeting was held on October 25 and 26.
Resolutions
EOCGA CEO Jele released the resolutions taken from the assembly that he attended with former Eswatini Football Association (EFA) President Bomber Mthethwa.
Jele said the members of the ANOC General Assembly discussed the impact this proposal would have on the NOCs and the other sports in their countries, which resulted in a decision to make the following statement from the meeting: “The 205 NOCs share the concerns voiced by many within the sports movement that FIFA’s plan to change the football calendar and to hold the World Cup every two years will pose a great threat to the survival of many sports other than football which are under the NOCs responsibility. The proposals tabled by FIFA will increase the congestion of the global sporting calendar.
‘‘This will have a negative impact on sports events organised by the national member federations of NOCs as well as regional and continental games under the authority of the NOCs.
Welfare
‘‘Furthermore, it will negatively affect the football athletes’ welfare. The NOCs noted the lack of consultation by FIFA in this process in particular with regards to the IOC that showed a regrettable lack of solidarity and respect to other sports,” reads part of the statement.
Jele said it was important that they attend such meetings because it gives them an opportunity to interact with our counterparts from other countries around the world to share lessons and ideas on how they can better serve at their constituents and improve their organisations.