World players’ union FIFPRO says an overhaul of the international calendar to include a World Cup every two years will not have legitimacy without the support of current male and female players. FIFA says its plans protect player welfare and provide more meaningful competition to players at all levels. UEFA’s member associations met on Tuesday to discuss the calendar proposals, with its president Aleksander Ceferin having already told The Times his confederation could boycott the World Cup if the changes are voted through. Official statement | FIFPRO calls for proper negotiation on reforms of International Match Calendar — FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) September 14, 2021FIFPRO general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann said the public spat between FIFA and UEFA on this subject showed the sport’s leaders had “reverted to the same old habits of conflict”. Former United States coach Jill Ellis is leading a consultation on the international women’s calendar.

Source: Irish Examiner September 14, 2021 14:26 UTC