BERLIN, July 7: The new version of the much criticised football world rankings were revealed by the governing body FIFA on Thursday.

Chief among the changes is that results from the past four years and not eight as was previously the case will only be taken into account.

Two other former factors have been taken out of the equation, number of goals scored and whether the matches were played at home.

Points will be allocated thus in major championships with three points for a win, one for a draw and none for a defeat.

Germany in particular had complained that them being 19th in the rankings while Mexico are fourth and the United States fifth is unfair and that they have been penalised for playing friendlies for the past two years.

As hosts, Germany did not have to qualify for the World Cup.

The United States crashed out in the first round and were highlighted as a particular disappointment by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, second ranked Czech Republic also went in the first cull and Mexico in the second round.

The next world rankings — first created in 1993 — will be published on July 12.—AFP