Football: Congested Global Calendar!
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
FIFA, the World Governing Body of Association Football (Soccer), is facing a threat of legal action from FIFPro, the World Players Union, and the World Leagues Association, which includes the English Premier League, regarding plans to have a 32-team World Cup at the end of the next season – in June and July in the United States.
They maintain that the global football calendar is “now beyond saturation, to the point that national leagues are unable to properly organise their competitions” and add that “players are being pushed to their limits, with significant injury risks and impacts on their welfare.”
The Chief Executive of the English Premier League, Richard Masters, has stated that the calendar was “at tipping point.”
Next season, all three European Club Competitions will be expanded to 36 teams.
FIFA believes that it has taken into account player welfare in their plans.
However, the complainants have warned that if FIFA “refuses to formally commit to resolving the issues” at its Council Meeting in Bangkok on 17 May 2024 their members will be advised “on the options available to them.”
These options include legal action against FIFA!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
