By Andrew Warshaw at the Leaders in Football Conference in London
October 5 – International qualifiers, both for the European Championship and the World Cup, will be played across six days between Thursdays and Tuesdays from 2014 to maximise television coverage and broadcast income, as well as stopping other sports taking precedence, UEFA announced today.
The move, dubbed “the week of football”, will see teams playing either Thursdays and Sundays, Fridays and Mondays, or Saturdays and Tuesdays.
Most double-headers are currently played on Fridays and Tuesdays – leaving the weekends with no football except at lower-league level.
UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino told the Leaders in Football conference here that the idea would mirror how clubs operate.
“You can play every three days – it’s what happening in club football all year long so that’s not a problem,” he said.
The plan must be agreed by UEFA’s Executive Committee but Europe’s national associations are in favour.
“This has been unanimously supported by all 53 national associations,” Infantino said.
“The chances are quite high this will be the format of football in the future.
“The week of football is a new concept to promote national team football.
“If we leave the weekend to other sports then in the medium and long-term it will be damaging.”
The move coincides with UEFA starting to sell broadcast rights collectively.
Until now, smaller nations have lost out financially unless their games are against the major established countries.
“This is an important step to promote national team football and the whole of football will benefit,” Infantino said.
“It is within the framework of the international football calendar, so no additional dates will be required whatsoever.
“If you do not have national teams playing on Saturdays and Sundays then it’s a pity.”
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