The FA and SFA have been invited to a summit on September 30, along with all other member associations in world football, to discuss the international football calendar and Arsene Wenger’s proposal to host the World Cup every two years.
The main topic of discussion is expected to be the proposal to reshuffle the international calendar by hosting a biennial World Cup, a plan led by FIFA’s head of world development, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
“There is broad consensus within the game that the international match schedule must be reformed and improved,” read a statement released by FIFA on Monday.
“Following invitations to interested parties, including all confederations, in early September, discussions are being organized in the coming weeks.
“This is one of several opportunities to establish a constructive and open debate, at a global and regional level, over the coming months and FIFA is looking forward to it.
“As this is a football project, in which the global interests of football should come first, this process started with players and coaches from all over the world. The debate will also involve fans from around the globe.
“FIFA is committed to being a forum for meaningful debate by engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including fans and looks forward to discussions on the sustainable growth of football in all regions of the world, at all levels.”
The proposed changes to the international calendar would mean a major final being held every year, alternating between World Cups in even years and the continental finals such as the European Championship and the Copa America in odd years.
Under the proposal, the number of international windows in a season would be cut to one or two in October and March, with no national team playing any more than seven matches, including playoffs.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has voiced opposition to the proposal, while the South American confederation CONMEBOL called the plans “highly unsustainable”.
However, FIFA released results of fan surveys last week, which showed most favored a two-year gap between World Cups, though the popular choice was to retain the current format in each age category.
