It is billed as the greatest show on Earth. Now soccer's World Cup could be twice the spectacle.

The sport's world governing body, Fifa, is considering holding the finals every two years, rather than every four.

Last year's event in France was the largest with 32 teams battling it out over a month.

It was a feast for fans, but torment for those who can't see the point in 22 men chasing after a ball.

Love it or loathe it, football is massive business.

Fifa President Sepp Blatter says the current four-year format started in 1930 is old-fashioned. "It dates from the 1930s when teams chugged from one continent to another on ships."

He also says regular finals would mean more accurate world rankings.

But critics say corporate cash ruins the World Cup spirit. Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup winner for England in 1966, said he hoped Fifa was not motivated by money.

He added: "Every four years is often enough because it's something to look forward to.

"You have to wait for it and it increases the whole value of it."

Sir Bobby's sentiments will be echoed by people who say we are too obsessed by football, emotionally drained by the exploits of our heroes in France.

What do you think?

Should we have more World Cups?

Your reaction in full

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | ©