LAUSANNE: FIFA on Friday (Saturday in Manila) launched an overhaul of the international football calendar beyond 2024, saying it is open to 'everything' including the organisation of a World Cup every two years, despite opposition from wilting players and fears over a devalued product.

The 71st FIFA Congress voted by a large majority to carry out 'a feasibility study on the consequences of the organisation' of World Cups for men and women 'every two years'.

No deadline has been set for such a controversial reform to the sport's crown jewel, the main income generator for FIFA since its creation in 1928, and which has been contested every four years since 1930 for men and 1991 for women.

FIFA's football development chief Arsene Wenger suggested in March that the World Cup, the European Championship and other international tournaments be held every two years.

It was an idea dubbed 'unrealistic' by European Leagues, a body which groups 37 leagues and club associations in Europe, but still featured in a report carried out by Wenger and released last week.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said at the end of March that he was open to any ideas for the post-2024 football calendar and earlier this month promising 'interesting discussions' on Wenger's proposals.

A biennial World Cup is tempting for broadcasters but would be fiercely opposed be federations, leagues and clubs who fear player burnout.

'Maybe we should ask UEFA and FIFA to extend the year. Maybe we could have 400 days a year,' said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola last month.

A World Cup every two years would also spell the end of friendly matches, lead to a reorganisation of qualifying structures and require clubs to release their internationals every summer.