Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has raised concerns about the increasing number of matches at the international level, warning that it could jeopardize the global popularity of football. The recent expansion of UEFA club competitions has had a direct impact on domestic leagues, causing fixture rearrangements and potential economic and player welfare issues.

The potential expansion of the Club World Cup, from 32 to 48 teams and playing it every two years, has sparked further worries among league executives. The World Leagues Association annual meeting in Athens focused on the threat posed to domestic leagues by the growing international calendar.

Masters emphasized the need to strike a balance between national and international football to protect the interests of fans, players, and leagues. He pointed out that strong national leagues are essential to the foundation of football at all levels, from grassroots to international competitions.

European Leagues and FIFPRO have taken legal action against FIFA, accusing the governing body of abusing its dominant position and causing harm to domestic leagues and player welfare. FIFA, on the other hand, defends its right to organize competitions like the Club World Cup within the framework of the international calendar.

While FIFA has agreements in place with European Football Clubs, including several Premier League clubs, to adhere to the international calendar, there are ongoing discussions and legal challenges regarding the balance between national and international football competitions. The involvement of leagues in future decisions about the international calendar is deemed crucial to preserve the integrity of domestic leagues.