FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said football should be more flexible with its tournament schedule, arguing that the global game cannot always play World Cups during the northern summer.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino says football should be more open-minded about when it stages its major tournaments, noting that the World Cup cannot always fit into the northern summer calendar.
Speaking at the European Football Clubs’ general assembly in Rome, Infantino said: “If you want to play at the same time everywhere, then you can play in March or in October — because in December, you’re not playing in one part of the world, and in July, we’re not playing in another part of the world.”
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was held in November and December, moving from the usual summer slot due to extreme heat. With Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 edition, another winter tournament is expected.
Infantino added, “Maybe we need to think about the best months to play football… We just have to have an open mind.”
FIFA continues to face criticism over scheduling and consultation processes for global tournaments.