Only problem with that proposal, considering the available match dates starting from June 2021 (month, where the next 2020-2021 Uefa nations league will end) in the FIFA calender, is that the Uefa WC qualifiers would have to extend themselves, almost till the 2022 WC begins, as for this whole period there are only 14 match dates available (10 match dates for group stage, and 4 matchdates for the playoffs). . . oh yes, and you must almost forget to have any pre-WC friendly match for any of those qualified teams, as there will not be any dates available for that to happen.
I think you have that wrong - UEFA are considering single-elimination playoffs like they will do with the Euro, so only 2 matchdays are needed. That is, WCQ would take place in the 2021 calendar year (March, June, September, October and November), with the Nations League finalists using up both their WCQ off days in June. Then, the WCQ runners-up + next best 2 from the Nations League would play in essentially three semifinal brackets in March 2022, the winner of each qualifying for the World Cup.
If so, you'd be correct. (me, wrong) That would do it. Just pray that none of the Uefa nations league finalists happen to end in the same WCQ group (easily solved, if they pospone the Uefa draw for WCQ, after the group stage of the next Uefa nations league has finished).
Indeed, that isd what they did for the euro2020 preliminaries,but it would signal the end of the plenary WC preliminary draw.
Thank you for posting that there won't be a draw at one time. FYI Sierra Leone was reinstated before the article was written.
Question: Can someone around here explain to me why we should move on with a Qatar World Cup after all we have learned about the bid and the recent arrest of the former UEFA president in cahoots with this farce of a tournament???
(Blood-stained) construction contracts have to be fulfilled? Infantino doesn't want to risk pissing off the AFC (as unpopular as Qatar may be with a certain contingent there) and jeopardizing his next reelection bid? FIFA can't be arsed to care about corruption until they're forced to do so?
Well .. can you explain why they should move it ? I mean, what are repercussions if they don't ? If it's just the corruption issue, I mean ... it's not like previous WCs weren't bribed either.
Just for the optics of it. Two wrongs do not make a right. And the previous World Cup corruptions were found out AFTER they were played not 3 years before. Apples and oranges.
They don't care about optics. 3 reasons to move it: - Fans won't watch it (won't happen) - Sponsors drop out - FBI
💣 PRIMICIA DE TNT SPORTS 💣 En la FIFA hay reuniones en secreto para buscar reemplazante para Qatar 2022https://t.co/OxF8mFSDcU— TNT Sports Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) June 18, 2019 could be moving
It may be more than a dream. Odds makers just dropped the odds for England hosting to 6/1. They may be getting some inside info on all the secret rumblings in the FIFA meetings.
What are the likely alternative sites? England (UK joint host?) comes to mind. Spain/Portugal? I appreciate the rotation issue and Europe being host last time, but most other alternatives could not host on short notice. Maybe China?
Not absurd to think more people would turn-in to a WC in Europe during summer than one farther away in November when people are at work. Though not sure FIFA cares. I assume by now broadcast rights have been sold in all the big football countries.
I think same number of people tune in. But if not, as you said, rights have been sold already. As for attendance, ticket sales go to the host country. Now isn't that slick ?
Don't you think they would still have to keep the dates the same? Seems like the qualifying schedule has already been set. A November/December World Cup in western Europe is still doable weather wise though.
FIFA allegedly gave FOX and Telemundo rights to the 2026 World Cup on the cheap so they would not take them to court due to breach of contract. It would be funny if it went back to the Summer and they still had rights for 2026.