The start of the expanded Champions League reignited the interest of players and media personnel to open the Pandora’s Box which is the worsening fixture congestion of the football calendar.
During his recent outing at a Spurs fan forum, club chairman Daniel Levy made his feelings known on the matter.
Daniel Levy admits “there’s too many games”
Speaking at the fan forum, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy admitted that there were too many games being played and something ought to be done.
“I agree there’s too many games. But the problem we have, the particular problem in England is we have an extra cup competition compared to the rest of Europe.
“And in Europe, the most important fixtures for the big teams is European competitions, whereas here we have the Premier League which is the hardest league in the world, yet we still want to do well in Europe. So it’s a particular problem for the English teams and I do think it’s a problem.
“The friendlies for the international tournaments is another problem, particularly for someone like Sonny [Spurs captain Heung-min Son] who has to travel so far for his country. I think it’s a FIFA issue that’s going to have to be compromised with UEFA but I do have a lot of sympathy for the players.
“As a club, we would like to see less games but higher-quality games. So if that means we have to see some changes in some of our competitions, then so be it. I think in the end that’s in the long-term interest of the players.”
Levy speaking on fixture congestion, as quoted by Cartilage Free Captain.
Many high-profile players added their names to the ones who have publicly criticised the football calendar, with some even suggesting having to go on strike to make the organisers really pay attention.
Spurs kick off their campaign in the new, expanded Europa League this week against Qarabağ.
The point of no return
Football has long reached the point of no return; it just remains in the hand of the players as to when they can coordinate a movement strong enough to bring about drastic changes before they have to make a drastic move of their own.
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It is just as well for a big club’s chairman to come out and at least admit this, but as history has taught us we should brace ourselves for some sort of fallout before discussions actually begin on revamping the football calendar.
