THE PREMIER LEAGUE has produced proposals that would see domestic games played just nine days before the start of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The plans would see Premier League and Championship games played on November 12, little more than a week before the winter tournament kicks off on November 21.
As well as the short preparation time, the recuperation time scheduled for after the flagship event is also very short with a Prem restart being pencilled in for Boxing Day – just eight days after the final.
According to the Mail, the two week winter break – which is implemented for the first time this season – will be scrapped during the 2022/23 campaign to accommodate.
The top two tiers in English football will also kick off a week earlier under plans to accommodate the awkwardly timed event.
Prem clubs will be concerned by the move should it come to fruition as they may face losing players earlier than scheduled if World Cup playing nations demand their stars sooner in order to properly prepare.
Player welfare will also be brought into question as stars could be forced back into action – especially those who reach the final – without having proper rest after the intense World Cup schedule.
However, clubs are said to have reacted in positive fashion when made aware of the proposals.
Given leagues all around the world will be affected, there is said to be an understanding that everyone will be in the same boat.
