Gab Marcotti's 2022 soccer wishes: Successful World Cup

Just as was the case 12 months ago, soccer exists amid mankind's fight against an enemy few could imagine would ever become real. But there is hope...

Most are a little better off than at this time last year and, if there is some light to have come out of the darkness, it is that maybe we realized how much we have in common and what we can achieve when we band together and trust in each other.

It is a lesson that can -- hopefully -- be transferred to football, which, at the very top of the game, stands divided and uncertain. And that is where my 30 wishes for 2022 begin.

1. That the powers that be -- whether FIFA, the confederations, clubs, leagues, players, broadcasters or agents -- realize the stakes and find a way forward together. "United we stand, divided we fall" is not just a cliché; it's the reality of what will happen if no effective deal is found before the international match calendar resets in 2024. Everyone wants to shape football's future, which is great. Realistically, though, everyone needs to sacrifice something to make it happen.

2. That, speaking of the international match calendar, we'll be open-minded. For example, keeping the existing number of games, while reducing the number of windows (and therefore both travel for players and disruptions to club football), strikes me as a common-sense solution. Being against it just because the "other side" has promoted it or because it's "against tradition" is silly and irresponsible.

3. That folks understand FIFA's mission and don't just make the usual puerile cracks about money and corruption. The world governing body exists to develop the game, which costs money -- money for the men's and women's game, as well as federations, pitches, youth development and more. Many member associations receive the bulk of their funding from FIFA, so it should not surprise us if such federations back anything that brings them more money, such as a biennial men's World Cup.

4. That FIFA continues to be transparent about how money is allocated but also reviews the system to make it fairer. Progress has been made in holding federations to account for what they receive, but more needs to be done regarding where money goes. A portion of FIFA funds is allocated for specific projects, and another goes, in equal parts, to every federation. Regarding that latter part, it's simply unfair that tiny countries such as, say, Montserrat or Liechtenstein get the same amount as Pakistan or Nigeria. It might be unpopular -- because it might cost votes -- but it's the right thing to do.

5. That the Qatar World Cup takes place successfully and runs as smoothly as possible. Every four years, around this time, we hear about problems with host nations, citing unfinished stadiums, infrastructure, crime and more, but this edition is a 32-team tournament essentially taking place in one city of 2.2 million people. Nothing so big has ever been attempted in a place so small.

6. That, if the powers that be realize Qatar 2022 will struggle logistically, they have the courage to find a solution while there is time. Michel Platini back in the day and Gianni Infantino a few years ago floated the idea of Qatar sharing the World Cup with some of its Gulf neighbours. It was rebuffed, mainly because relationships between Qatar and the likes of United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were terrible to the point that they were blockading the country. That's over now, so if turning the tournament into a regional event by shifting games to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Jeddah or Manama helps alleviate the logistical pressure -- from hotel rooms to training facilities -- it should be seriously considered.

7. That whatever improvements to human rights -- regarding migrant workers and local residents -- have come to Qatar as a result of hosting the World Cup don't simply disappear once the circus rolls out of town. And, on the contrary, that they become entrenched and accepted, not just there but throughout the entire region.