International calendar: ECA demands that clubs and players be at the heart of any reforms

"FIFA's proposals amending or planning future reform of the international match calendar (IMC), particularly the introduction of a biennial World Cup, would lead to a direct and destructive impact on the club game, both domestically and internationally. In addition, the proposals would put players' health and wellbeing at risk," said the ECA on 24/09/2021.

The consequences of organising the men's and women's World Cups every two years instead of four at present, is the subject of a feasibility study voted for by 166 votes to 22 at the 71^st FIFA Congress on 21/05/2021.

"Given the centrality of the IMC to club football, and of club football to the IMC, ECA reiterates in the most unambiguous terms that any decisions relating to its future can only come about with the consent of football clubs, with player welfare at their heart - and in keeping with legally binding obligations which ordinarily should not need re-stating," explained the European Club Association, chaired by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi.