Abuja:Former spokesman of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Nosike Ogbuenyi, has called on FIFA to introduce an Over-40 World Cup aimed at retired football stars.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ogbuenyi submitted a proposal for the new tournament to FIFA through the Nigeria Football Federation secretariat in Abuja. He believes the competition would allow football fans worldwide to continue enjoying the talents of legendary players beyond their active careers.
Ogbuenyi highlighted that the introduction of such a tournament would enable fans to watch iconic players for a longer period. This proposal comes in the wake of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi’s reported retirement on October 6.
He noted that many talented Nigerian footballers, such as Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and John Obi Mikel, become less visible after retiring from active football. The proposed tournament would accommodate players aged between 40 and 65, offering benefits to footballers, fans, and the sport.
The competition would promote fitness among retirees, keep legends in the public eye, and provide them with an additional income source. Ogbuenyi also suggested that it could help discourage age cheating and motivate players to anticipate reaching the eligible age for participation.
He proposed that only players who have represented their countries at the senior international level and retired from such competitions should be eligible. The tournament could be financially viable for FIFA, with potential revenue from broadcasting rights and corporate partnerships.
Ogbuenyi explained that Messi’s retirement presented an apt moment to garner global attention for the idea. He first conceived the idea after Okocha’s retirement but waited for a suitable time to promote it internationally. Ogbuenyi, a football fan, hopes this innovation will enhance the global game and bring happiness through more football entertainment.