WORLD CUP PILE-UP

Premier League to play nine days before Qatar

THE Premier League have drawn up plans that would see games played just over a week before the 2022 World Cup starts.

Officials have drafted proposals that include fixtures in the Premier League and Championship on November 12, nine days before the Qatar tournament kicks off on November 21.

The plans also include a Boxing Day restart eight days after the final in a bid to minimise disruption.

It is understood that the two-week winter break, which comes into play for the first time this season, would be scrapped in 2022 before returning a year after the World Cup.

To allow for the extra time needed, the domestic season for the top two tiers would kick off a week earlier and end a week later.

The move, should it come into play, would cause ructions with clubs, especially if countries in the World Cup wanted players for pre-tournament training and

Premier League teams were forced to play league matches without their internationals.

It also raises questions over player welfare — Premier League stars who play in the final could be back in action just over a week later.

Clubs have been made aware of the proposals and the response was said to be positive. The plans will be discussed at next month’s shareholders meeting.

There is a recognition that many leagues across the world share the same problem along with a hope for understanding around what is a unique situation. The World Cup has been switched to winter due to the searing summer heat in Qatar, when temperatures can reach 40oC.

UEFA said a decision on the scheduling of that season’s Champions League and Europa League will not be made until 2021. Leagues One and Two are expected to continue as normal.

The Premier League declined to comment.