By Usman Sulyman
FIFA has announced that international matches will only be played in Europe in the window that opens at the end of August to reduce travel for players.
FIFA said in a statement that it is replacing the period scheduled from August 31 to September 8 with a new window from January 24 to February 1 next year “for all confederations except UEFA”.
FIFA said the new period in January and February has been chosen with the African Cup of Nations in mind, with “the exact dates to be determined at a later date”.
FIFA said its Council has decided on these calendar changes “in response to the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to plague many parts of the world”.
It has also cancelled the women’s internationals, scheduled for September 14 to 22, for all confederations except UEFA.
