Interruption of the Winter World Cup? No problem, says ECA, we've got it all covered

September 23 - The umbrella organization for many European clubs has played down fears that they will be hit hard by the World Cup being played in the middle of their regular season.

Since FIFA announced that the Qatar tournament would exceptionally be held in November and December due to the fierce summer heat in the Gulf, concerns have been raised over the compressed schedule, players injured in the mid-season and the reaction of those who remain. when they are used to playing domestic matches in the same period.

The European Club Association was initially highly skeptical of holding the World Cup midway through its season, but ECA board member and Ajax chief Edwin van der Sar, said the idea is now generally accepted.

“We have to adapt and we have to adapt,” van der Sar told a short press conference after the ECA general assembly in Istanbul. "Of course it's not ideal (but) the players want to play in the World Cup."

"As for who stays during the tournament, it's not easy but the performance guys at the clubs know what to do."

The ECA has also added its voice to that of UEFA by rejecting any suggestion to hold Champions League matches outside of Europe.

Reports in the media suggest that UEFA was considering hosting some matches in neutral territory, such as the United States, China and the Middle East.

Such explorations could only take place by involving the ECA, but its CEO, Charlie Marshall, said such reports had no substance.

"We have seen the reports and are as baffled as other stakeholders," Marshall said.

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