The double day of the Qatar 2022 Qualifiers, scheduled for March 26-30, is in limbo. The severe restrictions in Europe due to the pandemic make it very difficult for players to travel and that is why many are calling for a postponement that has not convinced the leaders of CONMEBOL.
Precisely this Friday a decision had to be made, at the request of FIFA, on whether to enforce the schedule above all bans and apply the rules that, in theory, require clubs to cede their stars because represent their countries.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has tried to mediate with European clubs but, as far as is known, his management has not been successful. This would force them to give in to the postponement or play, in short, with those who are available at the time of the call, even drawing on the players of local tournaments.
According to TNT Sports journalist Fernando Czyz, there are 7 alternatives on the table offered by FIFA to CONMEBOL for the games.
1. That all delegations go to Europe and play matches at neutral venues such as Budapest, Bucharest and Athens.
2. Play every game in the United States, which has logistics and scenarios and fewer restrictions than in South America.
3. Take advantage of the fact that there are two fewer participants and play an America’s Cup with fewer participants. This would open dates for the Qualifiers.
4. Play just before the tournament, taking advantage of concentration
5. Playing after the America’s Cup, which doesn’t sound like it to the players, who would come from a grueling season in the national team tournament and not give up their vacation.
6. That in the days of September and October, instead of two games each month, three are played
6. That Qatar, which does not understand economic crises and would pay for all the travel of 10 teams, plus the logistics and health bubbles that are needed, to play there the qualifiers in the stadiums that will be used in the World Cup.
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According to the version, what Conmebol does not want is a precedent such as that of the Copa Libertadores final in Spain between Boca and River, as the leaders say it would be to normalize national team tournaments outside the South American countries, where they are needed. income. They are confident that Infantino’s sympathy for South American football (and for his votes, that is to say) will be enough for the manager to find a solution and it can be played on the scheduled dates.