FIFA is facing a “new battle against Europe’s major leagues, including the Premier League and LaLiga, over plans for a winter World Cup in Saudi Arabia in 2034,” as a “‘concrete agreement’ would be needed from leagues and players for the fixture calendar to be hit by such disruption,” according to sources cited by Mark Ogden of ESPN.com. Saudi Arabia will be “confirmed as the hosts of the men’s 2034 World Cup” by FIFA on Wednesday, but FIFA’s evaluation report into the Saudi bid highlighted “climate concerns that would force the 2034 World Cup to be staged between October and April to avoid searing summer temperatures in the Middle East.” It is “almost certain that the competition will be staged in mid-season in a similar fashion to Qatar 2022,” which was held in November and December 2022. That World Cup led to major European leagues “extending club seasons and shutting down leagues for at least a month to accommodate the shift” to winter. But sources said that FIFA has “not consulted the major leagues or players unions about staging the 2034 World Cup during the northern hemisphere winter,” despite “requiring agreement from both parties to move the tournament from its traditional June – July slot.” FIFA sources said that the existing International Match Calendar is “in place until 2030 and all stakeholders, including leagues and players, will be consulted before the calendar for 2034 is finalised” (ESPN.com, 12/10).
Shareable URL copied to clipboard!
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/12/10/fifa-world-cup-european-league-schedule-issue
Sorry, something went wrong with the copy but here is the link for you.
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2024/12/10/fifa-world-cup-european-league-schedule-issue
Register for a free SBJ account to unlock one extra article per month.
© 2024 Leaders Group. All rights reserved.The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Leaders Group.
© 2024 Leaders Group. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Leaders Group.
Already a subscriber? Click below to sign in.
Upgrade your subscription to get all the news you need:
Adding SBJ weekly content will give you the comprehensive view of sports business with:
Already a subscriber? Click below to sign in.
Upgrade your subscription to get all the news you need:
Adding SBJ daily content will give you the comprehensive view of sports business with:
