SIHLANGU LEFT HANGING AFTER NEW FIFA’S SYSTEM

MBABANE – Sihlangu have been left lingering on the 134th position on the world charts following a delay in release of rankings by FIFA. 

The world soccer governing body was scheduled to release its monthly world rankings two days ago (Thursday) but held them over for another month. This leaves Sihlangu on the uncomfortable position for another month. The last rankings were released on June 7.
According to media reports across the globe, FIFA is introducing a new formula for the rankings and this has led to the delay during the transition period.  The next standings will be released on August 16.

 “The old formula did not have new world champions France at  number one despite victory in Russia‚ and  the world football’s governing body was saving itself the bad publicity that would have ensued,” reported Times Live.
The rankings were eagerly anticipated to see the movement after the World Cup finals.
The old rankings formula also gave more weight to Uefa (Europe) and Conmebol (South America) ‚ and less to the other confederations‚ leading to the top 50 places being full of European and South American teams.

“Fifa’s decision to change the way rankings are measured is supposed to end these problems.

The new method adds or subtracts points based on the result of a match rather than calculating an average,” further read the report. The amount added (or subtracted) is now calculated based on the strength of the opponent and the importance of the match.

Teams also will find it more difficult to rig the system‚ for example by playing very few friendly matches. The new system does not reward teams for avoiding friendly matches. It will most likely result in more friendly games‚ which is a positive for the game.
Each country will start the new system next month in their previous position.

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