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Infantino has suggested the possibility to additional cold-weather World Cups and global club championships, stating that soccer must remain open to new ideas about shifting key competitions away from the summer.

Discussions Underway for Future Match Timetable

Discussions are under way about the calendar for the period after 2030, which is a particular point of tension given the increased squeeze from enlarged events. A special committee has been formed to analyze the situation, and FIFA itself has caused complications by assigning the 2034 competition to Saudi Arabia. That tournament will almost certainly be held during winter months, following the Qatar model. The president proposed the sport should get used to detaching from Europe's summer period.

“We're thoroughly examining specifics, we're constantly talking,” he stated. “It's not just about one World Cup, it involves wider thinking. Even to play in some European countries summer months can be extremely warm.”

Enhancing the Competition Timetable

The president made these comments during the EFC general assembly in the Italian capital. He had expressed similar sentiments to hundreds of attendees, stating: “We must consider the globalisation of soccer's international timetable.” He cited October and March as “periods suitable for global play.”

A major restructuring like this would cause ructions, although FIFA's ability to carry out its plans may be compromised if a formal complaint concerning the schedule enforcement, presented to EU officials last year by European Leagues, triggers legal processes.

Growing the International Club Competition

FIFA is also looking at ways to expand the global club competition. An expanded format could be implemented next time, possibly including a qualifying playoff event that reduces the total count to 32 teams. The president referenced grand schemes in his conference presentation, stating the organization would “strive to determine how we can make this event bigger, more successful, with greater influence.”

Possible Locations for Future Events

Spain and Morocco are leading candidates for the upcoming tournament, which will take place in warmer months, although other contenders are being considered. A swift return to the US could be entertained and it is understood the Asian nation, which was scheduled to host the tournament in 2021 until Covid-19 hit, continues to show interest.

FIFA is considering holding the Club World Cup every two years following 2029. Qatar appears most likely to stage the 2031 tournament, an arrangement that could be more straightforward if the suggested adjustments come to fruition given a winter scheduling would become necessary.

Concerns About Domestic Games Abroad

Infantino expressed any permanent shift towards holding domestic competitions in foreign countries would be a “big risk”. Recent developments saw permission granted for games in America and Australia, emphasising this was granted on an exceptional basis. The organization's ultimate decision is essentially automatic, though the president indicated the idea caused discomfort.

“There exists a framework whereby we have games within countries, continental level and internationally,” he elaborated. “This is the structure that made football the premier athletic competition worldwide. Should we dismantle this framework, we gamble significantly.”

Barcelona's Return to EFC

Among other developments at the EFC general assembly, was confirmation of the Catalan club's comeback to the association, foreshadowed earlier by the team's chairman participating at the official dinner. The team exited from the organization after the abortive Super League project in 2021, which they had driven with other major clubs.

The EFC president the football executive humorously noted the renewed partnership was made official during a “romantic walk”. Their readmission appears to dampen prospects on any resurgence of the Super League scheme.