FIFA considering calendar change in wake of pandemic
President of CONCACAF and vice-president of FIFA, Victor Montagliani, has discussed the possibility of changing the football calendar in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
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When giving an interview to Radio Sportiva in Italy, Montagliani revealed that it could become possible to move the calendar in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, with football currently at a standstill in the majority of countries across all continents. Montagliani feels that the large stoppage is a great opportunity to change the calendar, which is already heavy.
"We had already started thinking about how to set a new calendar from 2024, now with this crisis we need immediate answers," said Montagliani. "We are thinking about ways in which to rebuild football. This debate must be held with federations. We have the opportunity because the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 will be played in November/December and that could be the idea. Here in the Americas, the season is already played according to the calendar year; perhaps it is a solution that could also be used in Europe and Africa, it is a possibility to be discussed at the national and continental level."
The fact that the vast majority of European countries want to complete the 2019/2020 campaign in the coming months consequently means that the start of next season will be put back. It has already been reported that the start of the UEFA Champions League group stage will be in late October instead of September.
MORE SUBSTITUTIONS CONFIRMED
When football does make its grand return in the near future, teams will be expected to participate in a large number of games in a short space of time in order to complete the 2019/2020 season. As a result, it has been confirmed that clubs will be able to make five substitutions per match. The previous substitution limit was three.
The new rule comes into force with immediate effect. It has been drawn up as a method to protect player safety and health.
FIFA will decide whether the regulation remains in place for the 2020/2021 season at a later date.
POSSIBILITY OF UCL RESTARTING WITHOUT VAR
Since its controversial introduction, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has been a hot talking point, but reports are now suggesting that it will be absent when the Champions League returns.
French publication L’Equipe revealed that VAR could be put to the side as to prevent overcrowding between officials in the operating room
UEFA is hoping for the Champions League and UEFA Europa League to return in either late July or early August. The two competitions were suspended during March.
