The Qatar World Cup is poised to disrupt the Premier League schedule this season, and things could get even more problematic for clubs.
With the tournament planned to take place in November and December of 2022, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is already causing clubs a slew of problems. FIFA has now determined that each nation would be allowed to bring 26 players to the showpiece rather than 23, a decision that might have ramifications for teams such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham.
All three London sides are loaded with quality, and each will have a number of stars away for more than a month in the midst of the season, raising the risk of weariness and injury before returning after Christmas. With three other seats available, it’s possible that even more stars will be called up.
Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale, Reece James, and Mason Mount were all called up for England’s Euro 2020 squad last season. With 32 countries competing, each club may have half of their squad called up.
Explaining the decision, FIFA said: “Given the need to retain additional flexibility due to the unique timing of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in the global calendar, as well as the broader context of the disruptive effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on squads before and during tournaments, the Bureau has decided the following…
“The maximum number of players on the release list has been increased from 35 to 55. The number of players to be included on the final list has been increased to at least 23 and a maximum of 26.
“The final matchday at club level for the 23 to 26 players nominated on the final list will be 13 November 2022. No more than 26 people (up to 15 substitutes and 11 team officials – one of these officials must be the team doctor) will be allowed to sit on the team bench.”
“The final matchday at club level for the 23 to 26 players nominated on the final list will be 13 November 2022. No more than 26 people (up to 15 substitutes and 11 team officials – one of these officials must be the team doctor) will be allowed to sit on the team bench.”
It is a decision that may not please clubs worldwide and will also not please England manager Gareth Southgate. The Three Lions boss led the country to its first major tournament final last summer during Euro 2020 and did not want to see the proposal become reality when asked in the build-up to that tournament.
Last year, Southgate stated to BeIN Sports: “Personally I wouldn’t want to have too big of a squad. I think there’s a skill in picking a 23. I think you end up with a lot of players not playing anyway and it’s difficult to manage, it’s hard for the squad to come through. So, I can understand it but I’m not 100 per cent sure if I’m for it.”
