Fixture congestion and its impact on player welfare could hinder England's hopes in future World Cups and devalue competitions like the FA Cup, says the Football Association. The introduction of a 32-team Club World Cup in 2025, plus the expansion of competitions like the Champions League, has added to the demands place on elite players. "The ongoing discussions regarding future structural changes to the game, such as the introduction of new tournaments (eg. Fifa Club World Cup), further intensify this challenge," the FA said. "These changes have the potential to significantly reduce the downtime available to elite players, affecting their recovery and overall well-being.

Source: BBC April 02, 2026 17:33 UTC