(Football news) All the 20 Premier League clubs have unanimously agreed to oppose FIFA’s plans of having a World Cup every two years, with England’s top flight expressing concerns that it will have a negative impact on player welfare, supporters’ experience, pre-season preparations and the quality of the competition.
The Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Masters, said: "The Premier League is committed to preventing any radical changes to the post-2024 FIFA International Match Calendar that would adversely affect player welfare and threaten the competitiveness, calendar, structures and traditions of domestic football.
"We are open to reforms and new ideas, but they must enhance the complementary balance between domestic and international football in order to improve the game at all levels. This process should also involve meaningful agreements with the leagues that provide the foundations for the game. We will continue to work with supporter groups, players, domestic and international stakeholders to find solutions that are in the best interests of football’s long-term future."
A Premier League statement read: “All 20 Premier League clubs have discussed the post-2024 International Match Calendar reform process and are unanimously opposed to FIFA’s proposal for biennial men’s World Cups, along with any plans involving significantly extended international windows. Clubs raised concerns about the negative impacts FIFA’s current proposals would have on player welfare, the fan experience, pre-season preparations and the quality of competitions.”
Based on Arsene Wenger’s blueprint, FIFA have been exploring the possibility of doubling the frequency of the World Cup, the idea has already received quite a lot of backlash, particularly from most UEFA nations who have already opposed the plans. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously expressed his desire for a World Cup being held every two years as it will give more countries the chance to qualify for the prestigious tournament, attract young fans and improve the competitiveness of international fixtures.
Also read: The pros and cons of hosting a football World Cup every two years
