FIFA and ECA reach compromise on first player release dates for Women's World Cup

May 18 - World governing body FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA) have revised the rules regarding player release dates for the upcoming Women's World Cup, allowing for more flexibility.

Initially, the mandatory release date was July 10, just ten days before the tournament kicked off. However, the move has come under criticism due to concerns over potential injuries resulting from the short break. Tensions between clubs and countries threatened to derail national team preparations for the World Cup, but, in response, FIFA and ECA made adjustments.

While the mandatory July 10 release date still applies to players whose clubs have matches scheduled until that date, players whose domestic seasons have ended can now be released earlier, particularly from June 23-29. This change allows for a four-week preparation period before the start of the tournament.

“The Consensus Framework takes into consideration the existence of different playing seasons for leagues around the world,” FIFA and ECA said in a joint statement on Wednesday. "This new framework strikes the essential balance between players having enough rest while allowing enough time to prepare for the World Cup."

The new deal follows a call from European clubs asking countries to respect rules regarding the release of players for this summer's World Cup.

Preparation for the tournament has been rocked by the European Club Association (ECA) firmly reminding national associations that players will only be available 10 days in advance.

Women's football has been rocked by several high-profile injuries over the past year, including the ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments suffered by players such as Vivianne Miedema, Alexia Putellas, Beth Mead and, last week, the English captain Leah Williamson.< /p>

In a statement at the end of May, the European Club Association said it had received a "volume of alerts" from clubs about the matter and warned that players' health and wellbeing could be at risk .

“It is not a matter of financial compensation or a lack of adequate protection and insurance, but a serious concern for the well-being of the players,” said Claire Bloomfield, head of women's football. 'ECA.

"The issue of early call-ups is a holdover from the game in its amateur form and is detrimental to the future success and growth of women's football."

Several countries have planned preparation camps and these would have been seriously compromised if the new compromise had not been found.

New Zealand kick off the tournament on July 20 in Auckland before co-hosts Australia play Ireland on the same day. The final is scheduled for August 20 in Sydney. This is the first time the tournament will feature 32 teams.

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