JOHN TERRY and Michael Owen have been enlisted to join Fifa’s heavy artillery in the battle to force through a World Cup every two years.

The two former England skippers are among a host of world greats announced as the new members of Fifa’s “Technical Advisory group” helping Wenger, which will be launched in Doha tomorrow.

Wenger’s new team also includes Chelsea legend Didier Drogba and his ex-Stamford Bridge team-mate Geremi, German superstars Jurgen Klinsmann and Lothar Matthaus, Italy’s Marco Materazzi, Roberto Carlos, Peter Schmeichel and Yaya Toure.

They will give heavyweight support as Wenger officially outlines his World Cup proposals.

And despite the growing backlash from European football, which brought a rare outbreak of unanimity at a two-day meeting of the European Club Association in Geneva, Wenger and Fifa President Gianni Infantino believe their campaign is gaining momentum.

Outside Europe, there is thought to be widespread backing for the idea, which could be put to a vote of the 211 Fifa members next year.

And that reality fuelled the fury and anger in Geneva as Fifa was accused of attempting to railroad the plans through without any proper consultation.

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano was among those making their objections public.

BETTING SPECIAL – GET 30/1 ON STERLING TO SCORE OR ASSIST vs POLAND

Soriano said: “There is no space for anything like this. No room at all.

“The players cannot play more games, that’s for sure.”

Wenger wants to get the new policy voted through to see World Cups in 2026, 2028, 2030 and every two years.

But Bayern Munich director and senior lawyer Michael Gerlinger added: “We haven’t received any proposals on the table from Fifa or what this would look like.

”We hear that Fifa might want to do this quickly but that will be very challenging, especially as we haven’t seen any of the details.

“There would be so many things to negotiate, not just the calendar.”

BALE NOT A FAN

And ECA and PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, a member of Uefa’s ruling executive committee, mocked Fifa’s lack of consultation as he implicitly accused Wenger and Infantino of orchestrating an ambush.

He said: “I have been very clear – we want to have engagement.

“But we have had no approaches from Fifa. maybe they could approach us – and then we might have a discussion.”

And there was further ammunition from Wales star Gareth Bale, desperate to help the Red Dragon nation to their first World Cup since 1958 in Qatar next November.

I would like it to stay every four years but perhaps there could be a discussion around every three

Bale added: “It’s not something I really like.

“I like the tradition of every four years – it has the prestige, like the Olympics coming around every four years.

“It feels that little bit more special as it’s not happening too often.

“Having it every two years loses that bit of history. When it’s four years it’s a long time until the next one and it does make it that bit more prestigious.”

Leeds owner Andrea Radrizanni floated one possible compromise as he said: “I would like it to stay every four years but perhaps there could be a discussion around every three.

“Why shouldn’t Fifa engage? In my opinion there is a disconnect."

But Europe’s opposition seems unlikely to be enough to prevent Wenger and Infantino getting their way and reshaping football in their own chosen image.

⚽ Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals

Source: Read Full Article