Luis Figo FIFA President Bid Will Have Mixed Appeal on World Cup Expansion Plans
The first major plans of Luis Figo, running for FIFA president, were unveiled on Thursday, as the former World Player of the Year argued his case to take over as leader of the world of football.
Figo's plans were wide-ranging and spectacular in some cases, with the core message of transparency and improvement of FIFA's image still apparent throughout. As reported by Sky Sports, Figo's words echoed with the importance of his work, citing his ability to be unaffected by accusations of corruption and dependence which have blighted FIFA in recent years.
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"Thanks to my football experience I am lucky to be an independent man. I don't owe anything to anybody, and this means I can serve as president in the interests of football. Football runs through my veins, and l am ready to bring real changes to FIFA."
His plans will doubtless appeal to many in the football world, but there will also be an element of caution and restrictions to contend with as he bids for the top job.
Figo's Grand Plan
The headline act for Figo's plans is undoubtedly the promise to distribute the enormous cash reserves of FIFA to federations around the game to improve their national prospects from the ground upward. To gain power, Figo needs the support of many nations—money to be handed out is a powerful motivating tool, of course, though no figures are on offer as yet.
Rule changes cited were to stop the "triple punishment" of a penalty, red card and suspension for players and to revert to the former offside rule, which sees the flag going up for anyone offside, regardless of effect on the ball. Also suggested was the possibility of additional technological help for referees and officials.
Furthermore, a proposed World Cup alteration will certainly get discussion going—but the proposals raise almost as many questions as answers and hindrances as excited parties.
"Figo wants a 40-team World Cup? Think current WC format works quite well. Do like idea of distributing money to 209 federations. Thoughts?
— Cristian Nyari (@Cnyari) February 19, 2015"
"Here are some of the proposals made by Luis Figo, who outlined his FIFA Presidency Manifesto earlier today #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/gztDW4LYR6
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) February 19, 2015"
Change Happens Slowly
One thing we can say about the world of football is that it has historically shown itself to be reluctant, prohibitive and even bull-headed about change. Anything which alters the landscape of the game needs meetings, committees, trial runs and then, finally, introduction at major tournaments.
Figo's statements list a lot of changes to be made, and some of them do not necessarily work in harmony.
Take his willingness to have a "real and structured" talk on further technology to assist referees and assistants during matches; should that come to fruition, there would not necessarily be the need to return to the old offside rule. Furthermore, while referees are certainly under-protected at times from players crowding around them and indulging in scare tactics or unsporting behaviour, there are still far, far too many nations whose "top" refs are well below the standard required. Little is being offered up, from anywhere, about how to improve the ability and standard of officials.
Figo will know he can't stroll in and make instant changes from office, of course, but the promise of dialogue and openness to more quickly bring facets into the game which could help improve matters should appeal to most.
World Cup Thoughts
A big part of Figo's plans is the potential for an expanded World Cup—the greatest football tournament on the planet. The huge appeal is, of course, in the mixing of nations who don't normally face off, the chance of seeing the best players against each other and the incredible combinations of colour and culture as Europe, Asia, South America and everywhere else meets.
An expansion, then, is initially a good thing...but tournaments already take up most of the summer, and any increase in games would shorten even more the recovery time for players ahead of a new domestic season.
As for a potential split World Cup, is there as much appeal in knowing that you might be in the same tournament as Brazil, but have little-to-no chance of meeting them because they are in the other half of the competition?
It's a curious idea, but one which is almost certainly put forward to gain the support of smaller nations, the ones who infrequently qualify for the World Cup, who will be impressed and excited by the twin opportunity of the greater cash distribution Figo promises and the chance to compete on the world stage.
Additionally, with European nations not set to benefit under the initial proposal, what benefit to them on facing greater (or more) challenges, with less potential reward?
"So is Figo's crazy 'World Cup on two continents' plan designed to get more World Cup games in Europe?
— Tom Adams (@tomEurosport) February 19, 2015"
"So Figo's strategy is "vote for me, you'll play at the World Cup"?
— Saša Ibrulj (@sasaibrulj) February 19, 2015"
"Worth mentioning that this Figo nonsense is pointless. Blatter already has 99% of the necessary support to win the vote.
— Ed Malyon (@eaamalyon) February 19, 2015"
There are exciting and intriguing parts of Figo's manifesto, no doubt, and this is only the start of the bidding process to get him into power. As an individual and with the esteem he is held in, he remains surely one of the best candidates to challenge the power of Sepp Blatter, but many of his proposals may well receive mixed reactions, especially from the established order in world football.
