The European Club Association released a statement Friday saying proposed changes to soccer's international match calendar (IMC), including a plan to make the FIFA World Cup a biennial event, has raised "grave concern and alarm" among its members.
"ECA has been clear in its position that changes are needed to the IMC," the statement read. "A modernised and simpler IMC needs to be founded on fewer release windows; better player protection and health; and a balanced approach to club and international football. To that end, ECA has made clear—publicly, privately and repeatedly—its availability to engage with FIFA to agree what those changes should be.