The current men’s FIFA International Match Calendar ends in 2024 and Concacaf has been requested by FIFA to formally take part in its consultation process to help shape a new calendar. Meetings between FIFA officials and the Confederation and, separately, Concacaf Member Associations, will take place in the coming weeks.
Our initial analysis is that we recognize the merits of creating entirely new international men’s, women’s, and youth football calendars which are underpinned by fewer international windows, reduced travel for players, friendlies being replaced by meaningful matches, and a more balanced structure for the overall benefit of football development globally. We will continue to look at these proposals constructively, with an open mind, and in the spirit of positive engagement.
Concacaf welcomes the fact that FIFA’s Chief of Football Development, Mr. Arsène Wenger, has been transparent in sharing his vision and we are currently studying how the proposed changes would impact football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
While Concacaf’s immediate focus is on its own region, we also believe in the importance of being part of the global football family and we will listen to the views of football stakeholders in all parts of the world. It was in this spirit that Concacaf was supportive of UEFA and its European football stakeholders when recent threats to their own club competitions structures were explored.
Football in all parts of the world should be given an equal opportunity to play a part in the development of what is a FIFA international football calendar. Now is not the time for fearmongering and neither is it right that this process should be dominated by the interests of a few, or that more weight should be given to one particular region over others.
We encourage not only our fellow Confederations but also all members of the global football family to come together and work collaboratively to create FIFA calendars and competitions that have benefits for the development of the game in all regions across the world.
