Fifa President Sepp Blatter yesterday re-emphasised his wish to see an official World Cup held every two years, rather than the current four. But he fanned the flames of controversy further by outlining his desire to mark the 100th anniversary of FIFA with a 24-nation competition in 2004.

Organisation of such a tournament would be difficult and has already met with opposition from UEFA. Indeed, FIFA vice-president David Will greeted Blatter's initial plans to launch a competition every two years with caution.

The Scot stressed he shared his president's desire to maintain international soccer's place in the spotlight and would be more than willing to discuss the matter at executive level. But he indicated that the tournament might be devalued by reverting from its present four-year cycle - voicing the widespread fear that more might produce less.

"There would be logistical concerns as well," he said, "because of the sheer level of organisation required to prepare for and produce a successful World Cup tournament.

"There is also the matter of the confederations having their own competitions, notably the likes of the European Championship and the African Nations Cup."

But Will added he recognised Blatter's motive was to retain the status of the international game ahead of the burgeoning club tournaments spearheaded through the European Champions' League.

However, having recently warded off the threat of a breakaway by its major clubs by revamping its major competitions, European governing body UEFA doesn't share Blatter's view.

"I find the idea of a World Cup in 2004 unacceptable," said UEFA president Lennart Johansson. "UEFA is going to organise the European Football Championship in 2004 and it is the year of its 50th jubilee.

"UEFA does not see any advantages in a scheme that threatens to upset this balance."