Premier League Raises Concerns Over FIFA Club World Cup Scheduling
Premier League CEO Richard Masters voices concerns about FIFA's Club World Cup schedule, citing player welfare and league disruption issues.
Original Source
The Athletic
Written by
Steve Worrell
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters has highlighted significant concerns about the FIFA Club World Cup's impact on domestic schedules and player welfare. With the expanded 32-team tournament set for June and July 2025, Masters stressed the challenges posed by overlapping commitments and insufficient rest periods for players, particularly if Manchester City or Chelsea reach the final. Masters advocates for greater involvement of leagues and players' unions in decision-making, criticising the current system for overloading players and pushing the calendar to a "tipping point." FIFA, however, defends its approach, claiming the new calendar was approved by stakeholders and prioritizes global football development.
- Richard Masters criticised the lack of consultation with domestic leagues and players' unions regarding FIFA's Club World Cup scheduling.
- The tournament, to be held in the U.S. in June and July 2025, could disrupt Premier League schedules, especially if English clubs reach the final.
- Masters pointed out contractual obligations for players to have a three-week rest, which conflicts with the new schedule.
- Player overloading due to a packed match calendar has reached a "tipping point," according to Masters.
- FIFA defends its decision-making process, stating the calendar was approved by stakeholders and emphasizes global football funding.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino argued FIFA organizes only 1-2% of top club matches, with the rest managed by domestic leagues and associations.
- Players' unions and domestic leagues have lodged formal complaints against FIFA, citing inadequate consultation on scheduling and player welfare.
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Written by
Steve Worrell
Steve, Co-founder of The 1905 Club, created the platform to provide honest, clickbait-free Chelsea FC content. He worked at Stamford Bridge from 2013 to 2016 with a Champions League sponsor. His first Chelsea match was a 1-0 win at Leeds in 2000, and his favourite was the epic 2012 Champions League game against Napoli.
