FIFA PRESIDENT URGES “OPEN MIND” WHEN SCHEDULING WORLD CUPS

Gianni Infantino has highlighted the challenges of sticking to the traditional hosting months of the World Cup.

Except for the 2022 tournament, which was held in December in Qatar to avoid playing in the extreme hot conditions, the tournaments are usually hosted in the northern hemisphere’s summer months.

The FIFA president said the different seasons should be top of mind when organising a tournament.

"We have summer and winter, and in the world, if you want to play at the same time, everywhere you can play in March or in October.

"In December, you cannot play in one part of the world, and in July, you cannot play in another part. We need to consider all these elements, and let's see how we can make it better for everyone.

With the international calendar fixed until 2030, Infantino said the calendar must be optimised to work for everyone and everywhere.

"Maybe there are ways we can optimise the calendar. We are discussing. We have to have an open mind."

It’s believed Infantino will have the support of the unions and players as issues over player welfare and the number of games added to a packed calendar have been raised.

In July, the Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive, Maheta Molango, said the current structure was devaluing football.

Image credit: BBC