A former spokesman of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Nosike Ogbuenyi, has urged the world football governing body (FIFA) to introduce an Over-40 World Cup for retired football stars.
Ogbuenyi made the call in Abuja after submitting a proposal to FIFA through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) secretariat.
He said, “The introduction of the FIFA Over-40 World Cup will make the football-loving world to continue to watch the best of all time on the field of play for a longer period.”
Ogbuenyi’s proposal followed the reported retirement of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi on October 6.
The former two-time media aide to the FCT minister said many talented Nigerian footballers become less visible after retiring from active football.
He listed former Super Eagles stars Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, Emmanuel Amunike, Obafemi Martins, Vincent Enyeama, and John Obi Mikel among players that football fans would continually want to watch.
Ogbuenyi said the proposed competition should accommodate players aged between 40 and 65, adding that it would offer several benefits to footballers, fans and the game generally.
According to him, the tournament will promote fitness among retired players and enable former professionals to mentor younger players and contribute to football development in their respective countries.
The former FCTA spokesman added that the competition would give active players a clearer pathway beyond the demands of professional and international football.
“The prospect of competing in an Over-40 World Cup could motivate players to look forward to reaching the eligible age rather than falsifying their ages during their active careers,” he said.
On eligibility, he proposed that only players who represented their countries at senior international level should participate in the competition.
He also suggested that players must have retired from senior international football before representing their countries in the veterans’ category.
Ogbuenyi said the tournament would be financially viable for FIFA, given the potential involvement of legendary players with global followings.
Ogbuenyi said Messi’s reported retirement provided an opportunity to draw global attention to the idea.
“I first conceived the idea following Okocha’s retirement about 15 years ago but waited for a moment that could generate wider international interest.
“I have no personal interest in the proposal; I am a football fan seeking to promote greater entertainment through the game,” he said.
He expressed optimism that FIFA would consider and approve the proposal as an innovation that could further enhance the global game.
(NAN)
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