Jamie Carragher rejects FIFA request after secret World Cup meeting
Jamie Carragher turned down FIFA's request to publicly support the idea of holding the World Cup every two years rather than the traditional four, following a secret meeting.
The Sky Sports pundit revealed he had spoken with former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, now FIFA's chief of global football development, as well as a number of ex‑players about the proposed overhaul.
This summer's tournament was staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with European champions Spain lifting the trophy for the first time in 16 years. Luis de la Fuente's side beat Argentina 1-0 in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal.
The next World Cup is scheduled for 2030, with Morocco, Portugal and holders Spain set to jointly host the tournament. However, former Liverpool defender Carragher has revealed that discussions have already taken place about shifting the competition to a more regular cycle.
Speaking on the Football Ramble podcast, Carragher said he had taken part in discussions about the idea but didn't want to take it further. He admitted he was stunned when the organiser later messaged him asking him to publicly back the plan - a request he rejected immediately.
Carragher said:
