The Premier League has announced that all 20 clubs oppose FIFA’s proposal for biennial men’s World Cups. Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who is currently FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, had previously announced the plans to hold the tournament every two years, along with significantly extended international windows. However, every side in the English top-flight are against these plans, reportedly concerned about the negative impact the plans would have on player welfare, pre-season preparations, supporters’ experience and the actual quality of competitions. 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.”
Wenger claimed on Tuesday that any reluctance towards the proposals is merely emotional, stating that he has been surprised with the negative reaction he has received in recent weeks.
