<p>Zvonimir Boban, the now former chief of football at UEFA, has departed his role due to continued tensions within the organization. Boban was previously a dynamic midfielder for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/dinamo-zagreb-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Dinamo Zagreb</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ac-milan-tv-schedule/">AC Milan</a>, and the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/croatia-national-team-tv-schedule/">Croatia</a> national team. After retiring from the pitch, he completed a university degree and moved on to sports journalism.</p>



<p>However, Boban was eventually hired by FIFA to become their deputy secretary-general in 2016. The former soccer star played an instrumental part in introducing video technology to the sport. He was a key player in the implementation of VAR at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. This was the first tournament of its kind to feature the technology.</p>



<p>After stepping down from his position in 2019, Boban then went on to work behind the scenes at Milan. Nevertheless, a public rift between the former star and the club’s CEO Ivan Gazidis resulted in Boban’s departure from the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/serie-a-tv-schedule/">Serie A</a> side. He subsequently became UEFA’s first-ever chief of football in 2021. The governing body created the position solely for Boban.</p>



<h2>UEFA boss wants to bend term limit laws</h2>



<p>A key reason for Boban’s sudden departure from UEFA comes down to potential rule changes within the organization. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is to be in favor of bending term limit rules. Current stipulations, that Ceferin himself proposed, say that officials cannot remain in office for more than 12 years.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, Boban is under the impression that Ceferin wants to alter these laws to continue in the prestigious position. Ceferin previously assumed office in 2016, but wants to run for office again when his term is up in 2027.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240125_WST_485538_Boban-UEFA-term-limits-1200x670_fda633eb.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-485560" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Boban-UEFA-term-limits-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Boban-UEFA-term-limits-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Boban-UEFA-term-limits-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/Boban-UEFA-term-limits.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>After making his decision, Boban issued a statement to Croatian newspaper <em>Telegram</em>. </p>



<p>“I talked to UEFA’s president about a problem that occurred during the last meeting of the executive committee in Hamburg – the proposal to change UEFA’s statute in order to enable Ceferin’s new candidacy after his final mandate runs out,” <a href="https://telesport.telegram.hr/na-prvu/otvoreno-pismo-zvonimira-bobana-napustam-uefa-u-ceferin-je-donio-pogubnu-odluku/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> Boban.</p>



<p>“After expressing my deepest concern and complete disagreement with the proposal itself, the president answered that he sees no legal or moral-ethical problem in it – and that he will, without any doubt, proceed with this idea that I find fatal.”</p>



<p>UEFA, however, denied Boban’s claims in an official statement on the issue. “The proposed change is to simply clarify the position established in the statutes with regard to preserving the accepted legal principle that retroactivity should not apply,” <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/25/world/europe/boban-uefa-ceferin.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">claimed</a> the organization.</p>



<p>Boban certainly has a history of voicing his opinions regarding his employers. Along with the aforementioned Milan issue, the exec also previously criticized FIFA after leaving in 2019. Boban disagreed with the governing body’s previous assertion to stage the World Cup every two years.</p>



<h2>Discontent at UEFA high as Zvonimir Boban departs</h2>



<p>News of the discontent between two top UEFA officials comes as the European Super League (ESL) threatens the organization’s power. The potential breakaway league attempted to form in 2021 to no avail. Nevertheless, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> remain committed to the division as an alternative to UEFA’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa League</a>.</p>



<p>A European court recently <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/explained-what-the-european-super-league-ruling-means-20231221-WST-478973.html">determined</a> that UEFA, and FIFA, abused their powers in trying to block the ESL from forming. The governing bodies also, according to the court, acted unlawfully by threatening sanctions against clubs joining the new league.</p>



<p>An ESL official has <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/european-super-league-says-20-teams-ready-to-join-division-20240123-WST-485041.html">since claimed</a> that 20 teams are ready to break away from the governing body to join their division. However, it is still unlikely that many of the top European teams will soon leave UEFA. Many soccer fans across the globe are not currently for the formation of the ESL.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

Top UEFA official quits because of a new potential rule change

Zvonimir Boban, a now former high-ranking UEFA official, has departed his role due to continued tensions within the governing body.


<p>UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin wants to change the rules of soccer’s governing body in Europe to eliminate term limits he helped impose. Ceferin took over as UEFA President in 2016 following the corruption scandal that led to Michel Platini’s dismissal. Ceferin worked to introduce several reforms that, at the time, he believed would strengthen UEFA.</p>



<p>Among those were term limits. He instituted a 12-year term limit, which means the Slovenian is in his last term after securing re-election as UEFA President earlier this year. Now, the <em><a href="https://www.ft.com/content/f5f1e9b6-00e9-4e69-8ad6-bd30b097ea40" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Financial Times</a></em> uncovered drafts of proposals that change the language. In doing so, Ceferin would be available as a candidate for another four-year term at the helm. </p>



<p>In particular, these drafts would say any term that started before July 1, 2017, would be void. That year on his first term would make that term not count toward the limits he helped assign. FIFA has undergone something similar. Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, will be up for re-election in 2027. The FIFA Council, which Infantino is the chair of, claimed the first three years of his presidency did not count toward the mandated term limits. </p>



<p>In 2021, Ceferin defended the term limits he helped to put into place. “It’s wrong to stay too long,” Ceferin told Politico. “You need fresh blood, you need people with ideas. After three mandates, you have to do something else.” If he and UEFA are to change the wording of the term limit rules, the UEFA Congress must ratify it when the officials meet in February. According to the <em>Financial Times</em>, some have already stated their opposition to the changes.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231211_WST_476417_Ceferin-Euro-2024-1200x675_74025f44.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-476486" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/Ceferin-Euro-2024-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/Ceferin-Euro-2024-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/Ceferin-Euro-2024-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/Ceferin-Euro-2024.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Does UEFA President Ceferin want term limit changed for more revenue?</h2>



<p>The <em>Financial Times</em> mentioned that revenues for UEFA are going to rise in the coming years. Not only are UEFA Champions League broadcasting rights continually rising in cost. The competition is undergoing considerable changes in the 2024/25 season. With more games in the competition’s revised format, the demand for broadcast rights will rise, too. Even before then, expected revenue for the 2023/24 season will surpass $4.8 billion, which is more than the $4.3 billion from the year prior.</p>



<p>In 2023, Ceferin is making $1.64 million in his post as president. His efforts to retain his role add to the rising issue of people holding onto positions in governing bodies for too long. Alex Phillips, former head of governance and compliance at UEFA, said this movement to overstep term limits is in the wrong path.</p>



<p>“I think it’s a mistake,” Phillips said. “Term limits are fairly ineffectual, but they are better than nothing. When people get power they don’t want to give it up.”</p>



<h2>Effectiveness of Ceferin as UEFA President</h2>



<p>Aleksander Ceferin has had <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/is-saudi-arabia-threat-to-uefa-aleksander-ceferin-clears-air-20230903-WST-453859.html">a busy set of years</a> in his position. Among his battles are the rise and threat of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/11/uefa-head-ceferin-says-super-league-is-over/">European Super League</a> proposals and the continued expansion of FIFA. Ceferin said Infantino’s plans to bring the World Cup every two years would have major consequences for the game. Also, standing up to the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus against the European Super League kept for Champions League together, at least for now.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>


UEFA President Ceferin wants to extend his assigned term limit

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin wants to change the rules of soccer's governing body in Europe to eliminate a term limit he helped impose.


<p>The Saudi Pro League (SPF) has recently begun play after months of pursuing and signing high-profile European soccer stars at astronomical transfer fees. This season has more A-listers than any other since the league’s inception in 1976.</p>



<p>With <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/former-saudi-pro-league-star-ighalo-ronaldo-plays-for-money-20230728-WST-446100.html">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>‘s arrival in January at Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia began its ambitious plan to become a global football center. The Portuguese reportedly inked a two-and-a-half-year contract for more than $400 million at the start of the year.</p>



<p>In the wake of this, the Saudi league acquired some of the sport’s greatest stars, making for a transfer window that stunned the world. The next significant acquisition came in June when Real Madrid’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/saudi-pro-league-executive-ronaldo-and-benzema-just-the-start-20230806-WST-448290.html">Karim Benzema</a> joined Al Ittihad of Jeddah.</p>



<p>Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, Jordan Henderson, and N’Golo Kante are some of the big players who have switched from Europe to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/saudi-league-wants-top-team-in-uefa-champions-league-20230818-WST-450954.html">Saudi Pro League</a> since then.</p>



<h5>How much have SPF spent so far?</h5>



<p>In June, four Saudi teams were purchased by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. With such huge pockets, it seems that recruiting internationally recognized players who have played at the highest level of European soccer has been a primary objective.</p>



<p>Since then, the Saudi Pro League spent almost <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/podcast/the-saudi-arabia-effect-and-how-its-changing-soccer-20230626-WST-439563.html">$900 million on transfer fees</a> over the summer, putting them in second place after the English Premier League.</p>



<p> The eye-popping sums promised to entice players, particularly from top European clubs, are not included in the total.</p>



<h5>What did UEFA president said of Saudi’s threat?</h5>



<p>At the same time, the Saudis’ massive transfer expenditures to shake up the soccer establishment have raised concerns throughout European competitions. It has forced UEFA president <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/uefa-unsure-on-athens-hosting-european-final-after-fan-violence-20230814-WST-450011.html">Aleksander Ceferin</a> to reject the Saudi Pro League as a danger, saying that it is committing the same errors as the Chinese Super League.</p>



<p>The way the Middle East teams are going about it, though, is “not the right way to do it,” in Ceferin’s opinion.</p>



<p>“It’s not a threat, we saw a similar approach in <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/league/_/name/chn.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China</a>. They bought players at the end of their careers by offering them a lot of money. Chinese football didn’t develop and didn’t qualify for the World Cup afterwards.</p>



<p>“That’s not the right way to do it. They should work on player and coach development, but that’s not my problem”, he told L’Equipe.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Sportimage</p>


Is Saudi Arabia threat to UEFA? Aleksander Ceferin clears air

The Saudi Pro League's willingness to spend so much on player transfers has raised eyebrows in European competitions.

Is Saudi Arabia threat to UEFA? Aleksander Ceferin clears air - World Soccer Talk


<p>Fan violence in Greece during a Champions League qualifier has UEFA weary of putting a European final in the city. Currently, UEFA scheduled the Europa Conference League Final this season in Athens. However, that location could change as a result of the previous altercations between AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb fans.</p>



<p>Prior to their qualifying game, one fan died as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fan-fights-death-suspend-athens-zagreb-in-champions-league-20230808-WST-448533.html">Athens fans clashed with Zagreb ultras</a>. Panathinaikos fans, a key rival of AEK Athens, joined Zagreb as they descended upon Athens supporters in the streets. Authorities arrested 88 people in connection with the violence. Most of those arrests were Croatian fans in attendance. </p>



<p>To make matters worse, video evidence showed that these clashes were premeditated. Fans were gathering in groups with weapons and flares before the altercation. It is the latest in a trend of fan violence that continues to leave a stain on the game.</p>



<p>Out of concern for the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12402151/UEFA-concerns-hosting-Europa-Conference-League-final-Athens-footage-shows-AEK-hooligans-pre-arranged-fatal-fight-Dinamo-Zagreb-fans-saw-29-year-old-stabbed-death.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safety of fans</a>, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin is meeting with Greece Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. There, the UEFA President will discuss recent incidents of fan violence and what can be done to combat it. Therefore, the risk of moving the Conference League Final out of Greece is a possibility.</p>



<h2>UEFA sees fan violence as major issue in Athens</h2>



<p>UEFA already tried to combat some of this fan violence in Athens. Knowing there was a history between Croatian supporters and those in Greece, <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/greece-seeks-answers-after-deadly-soccer-fan-violence/a-66516279">UEFA banned Zagreb fans</a> from attending. However, these supporters still crossed borders to be in Athens to scrap the AEK supporters.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇬🇷 Athens = host city of the 2024 Europa Conference League final 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UECL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UECL</a> <a href="https://t.co/yDJQBkSy90">pic.twitter.com/yDJQBkSy90</a></p>— UEFA Europa Conference League (@europacnfleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/europacnfleague/status/1674704337971576832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>There are Croatian clubs and Greek clubs competing in the Europa Conference League. Therefore, there is a chance this fan violence could happen again. UEFA will likely not ban supporters for a neutral venue game like a Final. Therefore, moving the game may be the result. </p>



<p>UEFA moved the 2020, 2021 and 2022 UEFA Champions League Finals from their original locations. Neither of those was due to fan violence, though. The 2020 and 2021 finals moved from Istanbul to Portugal because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in 2022. UEFA <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/uefa-to-hold-emergency-meeting-could-move-champions-league-final-from-russia-20220224-CMS-372581.html">moved the Final from St. Petersburg to Paris</a> because Russia invaded Ukraine.  </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / ANE Edition</em></p>


UEFA unsure on Athens hosting European final after fan violence

Fan violence in Athens during a Champions League qualifier has UEFA weary of putting a European final in the city.


<p>Newly re-elected UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin spoke publicly on a plethora of topics after his election on Wednesday. This included the failed European Super League and other nations being jealous of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Premier League</a>. However, the UEFA boss also hinted at changes to the handball rule.</p>



<h5>Ceferin voices concerns over recent rule tweaks</h5>



<p>Speaking with Slovenian newspaper <em>Ekipe SN</em>, Ceferin admitted that he doesn’t fully grasp the current handball rules. </p>



<p>“How do you make yourself smaller if you fall to the ground or if you jump in the air,” <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/04/05/uefa-president-aleksander-ceferin-premier-league-jealous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asked</a> Ceferin. “The hands are where they are, you can’t always press them to the body. I absolutely do not understand the current handball rules and something must be done in this area.”</p>



<p>The boss of Europe’s governing body of the sport also announced the formation of a new committee to tackle the issue. </p>



<p>“At the end of April, we will form a special group, which will be led by Zvonimir Boban, and we want to have all the greatest coaches and former football players in it,” Ceferin continued. “One of the priority topics will be handball. The law says that [it is handball] if the player has made himself bigger, but what should he do?”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chelsea have the ball in the back of the net again BUT this time it&apos;s disallowed due to a handball.<br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/peacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacock</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyPLMorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyPLMorning</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHELIV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHELIV</a> <a href="https://t.co/0BVubSIhjU">pic.twitter.com/0BVubSIhjU</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1643346246776528897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>UEFA boss called Infantino last week about handball law</h2>



<p>The International Football Association Board (IFAB) handles current rules and interpretations. However, Ceferin will create the new group to help grasp a better understanding on the handball laws. Ceferin even admitted to contacting FIFA president Gianni Infantino about possible changes or clarifications on the rule. He also <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-asked-to-review-controversial-handball-rule-uefa-confirm-20201105-CMS-315964.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previously</a> spoke to the FIFA boss about the issue in 2020.</p>



<p>“I also spoke with Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, last week about the fact that we all need to do something about this together,” Ceferin <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/04/05/uefa-president-aleksander-ceferin-premier-league-jealous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">added</a>. “Nothing is clear to anyone anymore, which is very bad for football, because football by definition is very understandable and very clear.”</p>



<p>Tweaks to the handball rule in recent years has left many fans confused and outraged. A more universally defined law on the infraction would most likely be welcomed by many in the sport.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images</em></p>


UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has announced plans to form a new group to help tackle the confusing handball law

UEFA wants handball law changed to reduce confusion - World Soccer Talk

UEFA wants handball law changed to reduce confusion


<p>As UEFA continues to investigate <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-face-corruption-charges-for-payments-to-former-ref-20230310-WST-423008.html">Barcelona and the Negreira referee case</a>, the governing body warned the club this is extremely serious. Aleksander Čeferin, the UEFA President said it is one of gravest topics in the world of soccer that he has seen. </p>



<p>Recently, UEFA commissioned an independent investigation on the referee case at Barcelona. However, Ceferin himself could not comment on the situation in order to avoid impacting any decisions and analysis.</p>



<p>In <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a>, the case is, more or less, wrapped up. An investigation found there were no obvious links that Barcelona’s payments to Negreira impacted on-field decisions. Instead, it was more likely to be for analysis and referee advice, as Barcelona previously stated. In fact, Barcelona admitted to paying Negreira, but claimed it was well within the rules to do so. The Catalan club argued other teams do the same. </p>



<p>However, the Barcelona case with Negreira that is undergoing investigation from UEFA took something of a turn on Monday. There are reports that Javier Tebas, the LaLiga President, used false evidence against Barcelona to heighten the case.<em> <a href="https://www.lavanguardia.com/deportes/fc-barcelona/20230403/8873299/tebas-aporto-fiscalia-prueba-falsa-barca.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Vanguardia</a></em>, a news outlet with headquarters in Barcelona, claims the evidence Tebas submitted had no correlation to the Negreira case. In response, <a href="https://www.football-espana.net/2023/04/03/barcelona-demand-resignation-of-la-liga-president-javier-tebas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona called for Tebas to step down</a> from his position as President of LaLiga. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="ro" dir="ltr">FC Barcelona official statement<br><br>🔗 <a href="https://t.co/eODs489yZH">https://t.co/eODs489yZH</a> <a href="https://t.co/29DKCeKlWR">pic.twitter.com/29DKCeKlWR</a></p>— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1642898862934478849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Interestingly, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/laliga-boss-calls-for-barcelona-president-to-quit-over-corruption-20230221-WST-420713.html">Tebas called for Joan Laporta</a>, President of Barcelona, to do the same in the beginning stages of the case.</p>



<h2>UEFA could punish Barcelona over Negreira case</h2>



<p>While LaLiga asserted no punishments, there is still the chance that UEFA’s investigation can lead to ramifications for Barcelona. And, if Ceferin’s estimate over the severity of the case is warranted, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-could-face-champions-league-ban-over-ref-scandal-20230323-WST-424852.html">punishments can be harsh</a>.</p>



<p>Despite Barcelona’s pace to finish atop LaLiga this season, the club could miss out on the UEFA Champions League via suspension based on what UEFA finds in its investigation. According to the UEFA rules, any team associated with match fixing earns a ban.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em></p>


The ongoing investigation from UEFA into the Barcelona case with Negreira and referees could be serious, according to the governing body.

UEFA warns Barcelona that Negreira case is 'extremely serious'

<div id="attachment_353694" style="width: 1210px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-353694" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images</p></div>
<p>Playing too many games is one of the main issues surrounding the current landscape of soccer. With international breaks and competitions overlapping with players’ club seasons, there are small windows of true rest.</p>
<p>For instance, players in the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga often cannot take breaks that some of the more privileged receive. In some cases, club sides&nbsp;<em>and&nbsp;</em>international teams need a player to help them accomplish their goals.</p>
<p>Take someone like Pedri. Currently, a hamstring injury sidelines the 18-year-old midfielder. Perhaps, this injury came about because of that massive allotment of minutes the Spaniard played in his debut season. In fact, the 17-year-old arrived from UD Las Palmas prior to the 2020/21 season. Then, he went and played the <a href="https:\/\/www.goal.com/en/news/tokyo-2020-pedri-bruno-fernandes-players-most-matches-2020/1g7ajc48aszry1sfevuuqd3bvi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most games in all competitions</a> across Europeans.</p>
<p>In his first season for Barcelona, the midfielder appeared in 52 games for the club. That’s more than fellow midfielders <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/frenkie-de-jong/leistungsdaten/spieler/326330/plus/0?saison=2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Frenkie de Jong</a> and <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/sergio-busquets/leistungsdaten/spieler/65230/plus/0?saison=2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sergio Busquets</a> as well as <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/jordi-alba/leistungsdaten/spieler/69751/plus/0?saison=2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jordi Alba</a> and the recently departed <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/lionel-messi/leistungsdaten/spieler/28003/plus/0?saison=2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lionel Messi</a>. Although, Pedri played less minutes than all aforementioned players outside of Sergio Busquets in La Liga action. Still, the foundations for playing too many games persist.</p>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-353671 size-medium" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211103_WST_352199_Sergio-Busquets-300x395.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=395" alt="" width="300" height="395" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Sergio-Busquets-300x395.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Sergio-Busquets-150x198.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Sergio-Busquets.jpg 456w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>Then, internationally, Pedri did not get a chance for a breather. As the player got better over the season, Spain saw <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/pedri/leistungsdaten/spieler/683840/saison/2020/plus/1#gesamt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his usage rise</a> as well. In 2021, Pedri played in three World Cup qualifiers, six Olympic contests as Spain lost in the gold medal game, six Euro 2020 games with Spain knocked out in the semifinals and one international friendly.</p>
<p>After his exploits in the first nine months of 2021, Pedri picked up an injury after just four appearances for the&nbsp;<em>Blaugrana</em>. This is just one instance of an athlete playing too many games.</p>
<p>Surely, more will come.</p>
<h3>Number of games on the rise</h3>
<p>On the surface, everyone would love more soccer. Contests consistently pitting the world’s best are great, right?</p>
<p>Well, if the backlash to the <a href="https:\/\/thesuperleague.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Super League</a> served as any indication, not all fans crave more games. Of course, the main issue was a lack of competitive balance with a league like that. Yet, it did contribute to discussions regarding a biennial World Cup.</p>
<p>FIFA, in a bid to bring in more money and ‘grow the game’, proposed playing the World Cup every two years. At the same time, FIFA recently upped the number of teams in the competition to 48 ahead of the 2026 World Cup.</p>
<p>The issue with the biennial World Cup could warrant their own discussion. But, regarding an increased number of games, the strain would be intense on players. Already, most players on major European teams play in continental competitions like the European Championship or Copa America in between World Cup years.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/10/20/fifa-wants-biennial-world-cup-consensus-by-december-20/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE:</a>&nbsp;</strong></em><em>FIFA wants biennial World Cup consensus by December 20.</em></p>
<p>Breaking it down, each national competition like that has qualification stages.</p>
<h5>World Cup</h5>
<p>First off, you cannot blame players for not wanting to give their all for their country to reach the World Cup. Qualification for the World Cup varies based on continent and results. Teams play at least 10 games in UEFA qualifying, 18 in CONMEBOL, 16 in CONCACAF, 18 in AFC and eight in Africa.</p>
<p>The reason for ‘at least’ in those numbers is that teams on the bubble enter playoff stages where the squads play at least two more games each.</p>
<p>It’s a grueling road, and that number may decrease when the number of teams in the World Cup increases. Regardless, there is uncertainty in how this number changes with heightened frequency of the World Cup. As of now, World Cup qualifying begins two years outside of the upcoming World Cup. Qualification would be more rapid if it is to follow a similar format to one employed by the different federations currently.</p>
<p>Practically, there is uncertainty. And, in a game where some players play in over five different competitions, uncertainty is an unnecessary risk.</p>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-353414 size-medium alignleft" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211103_WST_352199_Gio-Reyna-1-300x450.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=450" alt="" width="300" height="450" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Gio-Reyna-1-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Gio-Reyna-1-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Gio-Reyna-1.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>Even now, the USMNT saw a handful of players pick up injuries on international duty. <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/chelsea-engchelsea/story/4500687/chelseas-christian-pulisic-really-suffering-to-overcome-injury-thomas-tuchel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christian Pulisic</a> and <a href="https:\/\/bvbbuzz.com/2021/10/09/borussia-dortmund-injury-update-gio-reyna-closing-return/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gio Reyna</a> picked up injuries in the September international break, sidelining them for over two months.</p>
<h5>Continental Cups</h5>
<p>Similar to the World Cup, playing too many games persists already in the likes of the Euros, Copa America, Gold Cup, Cup of Nations and the Asian Cup.</p>
<p>To start, the qualification processes for most of these tournaments resembles that of a World Cup. Of course, the exception is the Copa America, where the 10 CONMEBOL teams automatically qualify for the competition. Then, a World-Cup-length tournament persists for roughly one month across these different federations.</p>
<p>Certain competitions, particularly the African Cup of Nations or AFC Asian Cup, happen during the season. In these cases, players jump from their domestic leagues across the world to a monthlong tournament. After that, their club schedules do not skip a beat.</p>
<p>More often than not, clubs expect their major players such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané or Wilfred Ndidi to jump straight back in. Remember, while European and American international tournaments transpire outside of traditional club schedules, leagues do not take breaks for the Africa Cup of Nations or the AFC Asian Cup.</p>
<p>Still, let’s not cast aside the other confederations. Yes, the Euros, Copa America and Gold Cup occur outside of the traditional club season. Yet, while these players could be recuperating and allowing their bodies to catch up with their schedule, more intense competition takes precedence.</p>
<h5>Nations League</h5>
<p>The aforementioned competitions do not include the Nations League. This competition only started in UEFA following the 2018 World Cup. The purpose of the competition is to replace friendlies with an actual competition. As an added bonus, smaller nations could use UEFA and CONCACAF’s new ‘leagues’ to qualify for other tournaments.</p>
<p>Regardless of opinions on the intensity of the drawn out tournament, it surely means something to the players and coaches. For example, the first <a href="https:\/\/www.ussoccer.com/stories/2021/06/concacaf-nations-league-final-usmnt-vs-mexico-lineup-schedule-tv-channels" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CONCACAF Nations League Final</a> featured Pulisic, Reyna, Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest, all of whom play for prominent European sides that consistently make runs in domestic leagues and cups and continental competition.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/09/29/injured-pulisic-reyna-to-miss-us-world-cup-qualifiers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE:</a>&nbsp;</strong></em><em>Injured Pulisic, Reyna to miss US World Cup Qualifiers.</em></p>
<p>The aforementioned Pedri likely would have started in the UEFA Nations League Final. However, his lingering injury kept him out of the squad.</p>
<h5>Club Competitions</h5>
<p>Let’s not forget, all the aforementioned competitions only happen at the international level. Thirty-six-plus game seasons for clubs, at least one domestic cup and, often for the world’s best players, the Champions League and Europa league dotted on weekdays.</p>
<p>Clearly, some players play too many games. Dependency on those who are more talented causes them to be worn out. Indeed, there are some athletes who are simply monsters that seem to not need rest. For example, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount served critical components to their teams that each made deep runs in European competition. They finished last season second and third in terms of <a href="https:\/\/www.goal.com/en/news/tokyo-2020-pedri-bruno-fernandes-players-most-matches-2020/1g7ajc48aszry1sfevuuqd3bvi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">appearances overall</a>.</p>
<h3>Remedies for playing too many games</h3>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-353637 size-medium" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20211103_WST_352199_Infantino-300x185.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=185" alt="" width="300" height="185" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Infantino-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Infantino-600x370.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Infantino-150x93.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Infantino-768x474.jpg 768w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Infantino-223x137.jpg 223w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Infantino.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure></div>
<p>There are certain characters that are in favor of an increased workload for players across world soccer. Notably, many of these names come from higher-ups. The main culprit is perhaps the push by FIFA for the biennial World Cup.</p>
<p>For example, Gianni Infantino, the current FIFA President, received major backlash from independent nations. <a href="https:\/\/apnews.com/article/soccer-sports-2020-tokyo-olympics-world-cup-gianni-infantino-852c9b3684c356a427985173752ad5d0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Portugal, Italy and Switzerland</a> are just a few examples of this. Also, those nations have players that represent club teams that play practically from August until May. This leaves just June and July, which, even then, often mean time spent with the international teams.</p>
<p>One major critic of the biennial World Cup is UEFA President <span>Aleksander Ceferin. Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s promises of providing unity in the game, Ceferin suggested UEFA could boycott FIFA’s biggest tournament if the organization moves away from its quadrennial format.</span></p>
<p>Ceferin’s reasoning? He says the increased workload for teams would “<a href="https:\/\/www.skysports.com/football/news/12098/12403175/uefa-president-aleksander-ceferin-warns-biennial-world-cup-plans-could-lead-to-european-boycott" target="_blank" rel="noopener">kill football</a>.” More eloquently, the UEFA President argues it would put such a strain on clubs and players alike that it would simply not be feasible.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“To play every summer a one-month tournament, for the players it’s a killer. If it’s every two years it clashes with the Women’s World Cup, with the Olympic football tournament,”</em> Ceferin told&nbsp;<em>The Times</em>.</p>
<p><em>“The value is precisely because it is every four years, you wait for it. It’s like the Olympic Games, it’s a huge event. I don’t see our federations supporting that.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Similarly, we already see some people call for fewer games as it is. No more 60+ games for Bruno Fernandes, Pedri or any other overly used player like that.</p>
<h5>Redrafting the Soccer Calendar</h5>
<p>In 2018, then-European Club Association Chairman Andrea Agnelli called for “<a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/blog-uefa/story/3432894/europes-top-clubs-call-for-fewer-games-and-speedier-ffp-cases" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mandatory rest periods</a>” and a redesign of some competitions. While some, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, want expanded competitions and thus more games, Agnelli mentioned the overworking of players.</p>
<blockquote><p><span><em>“They’re playing week in, week out, two or three games a week, be it at club level or a national team level,”</em> Agnelli said. </span></p>
<p><span><em>“So when we think about the calendar going forward we must also take into consideration weeks when players can actually rest and/or train. So reducing the overall number of games.”</em></span></p></blockquote>
<p>Of course, Agnelli hampered any credibility on the topic with his devotion towards the failed European Super League. He resigned from his positions on the European Club Association and with Juventus. Regardless, he makes a good point in terms of mandatory resting periods.</p>
<p>In most leagues, the winter break is a good way to get bodies back up to par. Even then, extensive training limits any true recuperation. Then, in England, the lack of a winter break reinforces the idea of overextending players.</p>
<h5>Editing Competitions</h5>
<p>We’re all fans of great games, underdogs and dramatic storylines. They seem inherent with the beautiful game. Theoretically, more games opens up more opportunities to that.</p>
<p>Derek Rae, one of the world’s most notable commentators, said expanding the number of teams in the World Cup did not create any kind of problem when it jumped from 16 to 24 and 24 to 32. Therefore, we’ll have to see how that impacts the understanding of the competition. It seems to work well with the UEFA European Championships. After all, Iceland’s run in 2016 captured the emotions of soccer fans across the world.</p>
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/wnK4D0dy6mE" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
<p>Rather, the issue comes with frequency. As merely a writer, I am unsure if removing some competitions or reducing the number of teams or intensity is the solution.</p>
<p>One thing is for certain. We all love when teams like France or Germany play Argentina or Brazil. However, if the competitions stay at the same frequency with the same number of games, there is reason to believe that some countries or clubs will throw out secondary sides to allow major players some form of rest.</p>
<p>In the case of a biennial World Cup, if certain UEFA nations do not boycott every two years, who is stopping these coaches from fielding a ‘senior’ side one tournament, then a younger, more experimental side, in the next rendition two years later?</p>
<h3>Predicting the future</h3>
<p>There is no saying what will happen in terms of the number of games these athletes play each season. There is reason to see them playing more games via expanded international tournaments. Although, certain constituents fight for fewer games than what we currently see.</p>
<p>The higher-ups obviously control the scheduling, and more games tends to mean <a href="https:\/\/www.si.com/soccer/2021/03/31/champions-league-future-format-expansion-swiss-system-criticism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more money</a>. Gianni Infantino is adamant on pushing up the number of games and creating more opportunities for even smaller nations.</p>
<p>However, the soccer world is a powerful body. The immediate shutdown of the European Super League came as a result of fan backlash against their own clubs. <a href="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQIDff1G1JQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gary Neville’s testimonies</a> on Sky Sports seemed to lead the English-language hatred of the proposal.</p>
<p>So, we will have to see the impacts of the public and the players against the executives.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Modern soccer players face the issue of playing too many games, risking the longevity of their bodies and health for immediate results.

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