© EuroFootball.com
Since 2014, qualifiers for European and world championships will be played over a period of six days: from Thursday to Tuesday.
In the project called "Football Week," it is planned that national teams will play two qualifying round matches with a two-day break. So, some national teams will take the field on Thursday and Sunday, others on Friday and Monday, and the rest on Saturday and Tuesday.
Until now, matches usually took place on Friday or Saturday and Tuesday.
The new decision aims to increase revenue from TV broadcasts and also create the opportunity for spectators to watch more matches, as many of them used to start at the same time.
"All 53 UEFA member associations unanimously agreed to this decision," said general secretary Gianni Infantino. "If we were to continue leaving weekends to other sports, in the medium and long term, it would harm football."
Club coaches are likely concerned that footballers will not have enough time for rest, but Infantino dismissed such concerns: "It is definitely possible to play every third day. This happens throughout the entire season."
