In Video: UEFA set up a working group to consider changes to international qualifiers

UEFA Looks to Shake Up World Cup and European Qualifiers: Expert Analysis

In a bid to revitalize the excitement and suspense surrounding international football, UEFA has established a working group to explore possible reforms to the format of World Cup and European Championship qualifiers. Our chief correspondent, Carve Solic, delves into the current issues with the format and potential solutions being considered.

The Current Problem: A Lack of Jeopardy

The current format of international qualifiers has been criticized for being too predictable, with teams often dominating their groups without facing significant challenges. Take England’s World Cup qualifiers, for example, where they have lost only seven games in over 100 matches this century. The few times they have lost, they have been able to bounce back quickly, rendering the results virtually meaningless.

“This century, England have played 117 games and lost only seven,” notes Carve. “The games are boring, and there’s no jeopardy. The opponents usually sit back and defend, trying to limit damage, while England tries to break them down. The fans are left feeling disconnected from the action.”

The Swiss Model: A Potential Solution

One proposal being considered is the Swiss model, already used in the UEFA Champions League. This format would see teams play a single match against a selection of opponents of varying abilities, rather than the traditional home-and-away format. This could lead to more competitive and exciting fixtures, with teams facing stiffer tests and more unpredictable outcomes.

For instance, England could play against Germany, Italy, France, or Spain, rather than the usual group of opponents. This would introduce an element of surprise and challenge, making each match more important and meaningful.

Reforming International Breaks: A Necessity

Another key area of focus for the working group is the international break schedule. With five breaks currently spread throughout the year, fans and broadcasters alike are crying out for a more manageable and condensed format.

Next season, UEFA plans to merge two of the breaks into one, reducing the total number of international breaks. However, this will come at the cost of a longer break, lasting three weeks, which may be frustrating for fans of domestic leagues.

The Future of International Football: A Balanced Approach

While there are no easy solutions to the complex issues surrounding international football, the working group’s efforts represent a promising step towards revitalizing the format. By introducing more competitive and unpredictable fixtures, UEFA can breathe new life into the qualifiers and make international football more appealing to fans.

Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance between the needs of domestic leagues and the requirements of international football. With the right reforms in place, fans can look forward to a more exciting and engaging experience, both domestically and internationally.