- FIFA President Gianni Infantino has warned that the traditional June/July World Cup schedule is under threat due to the escalating climate crisis.
- Future tournaments, including the 2034 finals in Saudi Arabia, will likely require unconventional timing, similar to the winter World Cup in Qatar 2022.
- Infantino suggested universal playing months like March or October and hinted at optimizing the entire international football calendar.
- The FIFA chief also teased a further expansion of the already controversial 32-team Club World Cup, citing its recent “huge success.”
Is the Summer World Cup a Thing of the Past?
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a stark warning that football must keep an “open mind” about the future scheduling of all World Cups, signaling that the era of traditional summer tournaments could be coming to an end. Citing the unavoidable impact of climate change, Infantino stressed that a major calendar overhaul is being considered.
The Climate Crisis Hits the Pitch
Speaking to the European Football Clubs General Assembly, Infantino pointed out that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was moved to November and December to escape the region’s oppressive heat. A similar move is anticipated for the 2034 tournament in Saudi Arabia. However, the problem is no longer confined to desert nations.
“Even to play in some European countries in July is very, very hot,” Infantino stated, suggesting that universal months like March or October could become the new norm for international football. “Maybe there are ways we can optimise the calendar, but we are discussing it… We just have to have an open mind.”
A Bigger, More Crowded Calendar Looms
Adding to the scheduling debate, Infantino also hinted at a further expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite legal challenges from domestic leagues and player unions over fixture congestion, he labeled the first 32-team edition in the United States a “huge success” and expressed a desire to make it “even better, even bigger.” This signals more potential clashes over an already packed calendar, leaving fans and players wondering what the future of the sport will look like.
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