A Premier League issued a statement this Thursday, positioning itself against the realization of the world Cup every two years. The meeting involving the 20 clubs that compete for the elite of English football also came out against the extension of international windows involving national team games.
The teams argue that a biennial Cup would be harmful to players’ health and would also affect the quality of competitions.
“We are open to reforms and new ideas, but they must enhance the complementary balance between national and international football to improve the game at all levels,” said Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League.
All 20 #PL 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
Statement: https://t.co/FvCbG3eUnc pic.twitter.com/Pgq3odcAyY
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 11, 2021
“This process must also involve meaningful agreements with the leagues that provide the foundation for the game. We will continue to work with groups of fans, players, national and international stakeholders to find solutions that serve the best interests of the long-term future of football. ”, he concluded.
In London, on December 2nd and 3rd, the organizers of the English League will host the Annual General Meeting of the World Leagues Forum.
One of the main supporters of the idea of holding the World Cup every two years is the current FIFA president, Gianni Infantino. The idea generated divergent opinions in the football world. Some sports figures have already demonstrated. The coach Pep Guardiola and the ex-player Ronaldo Nazário support the Worlds every two years. The coach of France, Didier Deschamps, and the Real Madrid goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, have shown themselves against.
Check out the release from the Premier League in full:
All 20 Premier League clubs have discussed the process of reforming the post-2024 international fixtures calendar and are unanimously against FIFA’s proposal for the biennial men’s World Cups, along with any plans involving significantly extended international windows.
The clubs expressed concern about the negative impacts that current FIFA proposals would have on players’ well-being, fans’ experience, preparations for the pre-season and the quality of competitions.
Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: “The Premier League is committed to preventing any radical changes to the post-2024 FIFA International Matching Calendar that negatively affect players’ well-being and threaten competitiveness, timing, structures and traditions of national football.
“We are open to reforms and new ideas, but they must increase the complementary balance between national and international football to improve the game at all levels.
“This process must also involve significant agreements with the leagues that provide the foundation for the game.
“We will continue to work with groups of fans, players, national and international stakeholders to find solutions that serve the best interests of the long-term future of football.”
The Premier League is hosting the World Leagues Forum Annual General Meeting in London on December 2-3.
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