UEFA and European clubs have reached an agreement to reduce the number of international matches in a year, though FIFA remain opposed to the deal.
The deal foresees the number of double-header matches being cut to nine over a period of two years, despite clubs asking for the current number of 12 per year to be halved.
It also specifies that both matches in double-headers should be played on the same continent and that there will be no international friendlies played in August.
However, Europe’s football governing body will not be backing the clubs as they attempt to oppose FIFA regarding the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, chairman of the European Club Association, stated that the situation with global football governing body FIFA remains ‘unsatisfactory’.
“The agreement with UEFA is a major breakthrough for European club football,” Rummenigge said.
“While an agreement has been reached with UEFA, the situation remains unsatisfactory in relation to FIFA.”
“Unfortunately, discussions with the FIFA president have failed to lead to a satisfactory outcome which takes account of the clubs’ demands.”
FIFA, which has the final say on international fixtures, pointed the blame at the ECA in response, claiming the organisation had rejected opportunities to negotiate the matter.
A FIFA statement read: “ECA representatives have previously declined attendance to other FIFA committee meetings, making it very difficult for progress to be made in discussions with the European clubs.”
“The international dates and the international match calendar have to be applied on a worldwide basis and that this calendar is ultimately regulated by FIFA.”
Source:
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