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FIFA World Cup 1998 winner says players need matches in calendar to have a higher profile; former France star says fewer windows for national team football will increase the quality; players are among the stakeholders being consulted as part of a wide-ranging review.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
David Trezeguet has welcomed the extensive review process on football\u2019s international match calendar, saying that by \u201celiminating\u201d matches of lower importance, the quality and global competitiveness of football will grow.<\/p>\n
With no match calendar in place after 2024, FIFA is facilitating discussions as part of a wide-ranging review with many and varied stakeholders and Trezeguet is eager for the results to contribute to a truly global football of the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the players\u2019 perspective, a change is required in my opinion,\u201d said the former France international. \u201cWe are all aware that there are many games at club level and international level so, we have to understand that players are tired between all the travelling and high-level competitions. We can try to increase the level of the game and eliminate games that are less useful for players.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince 1930, we\u2019ve had the same idea of games \u2013 friendlies, qualifying games and the [FIFA] World Cup,\u201d recalls Trezeguet. \u201cBut, in my opinion, we must also bear in mind the fact that supporters want bigger spectacles and more games at the highest level. In friendly matches \u2013 or matches that are of a lower level \u2013 we are perhaps less prepared for them both physically and mentally.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trezeguet was a member of the France squad that kicked off a period of dominance for European teams in the FIFA World Cup, with four of the five tournaments since then also won by sides from the continent. With 133 of FIFA\u2019s 211 members still to make their debut on the biggest stage of all, this all-encompassing review process is seen as an opportunity to level the playing field and increase the competitiveness of the global game.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my opinion, the ambitions, desires and dreams of countries from other continents, who aren\u2019t as well-known on the big stage, have to be given a chance,\u201d Trezeguet added. \u201cWhen we talk about giving countries a chance, it\u2019s the dream of playing through a top-level qualifying campaign bearing in mind that the end goal is to play at the [FIFA] World Cup. I think that playing at the World Cup is every kid\u2019s dream. When you are a kid who later becomes a footballer, it\u2019s the idea of representing your country and the pride that comes with that.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n