Soccer: Carro's Call for Change in Africa Cup Timing
Bayer Leverkusen's managing director Fernando Carro has expressed a need for a shift in the timing of the Africa Cup. "It needs to change," Carro told Bild am Sonntag, hoping for an agreement with FIFA through the club association ECA.
The impending Africa Cup in January and February could suspense five Leverkusen players, while the European Championship, scheduled during the top European leagues' summer break, doesn't pose such a threat. Carro emphasized the importance of standardizing an international match calendar for the future.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Leverkusen remains focused on their Bundesliga run, with the team closely following their fellow Spanish club FC Barcelona and their Catalan coach, Xabi Alonso.
With speculations about Alonso's potential departure in the summer, Carro remains hopeful for the coach's continued association with the club. Currently, only Alonso's contract extension last summer hints at continuing his tenure.
Leverkusen's management is confident in their ability to compete with industry leaders despite coaches and players. The club's longevity and improved management quality position them favorably for future challenges.
FIFA Mitigating the Africa Cup's Impact on European Club Football
FIFA can lessen the impact of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on European club football schedules using various strategies:
- Scheduling Coordination
- Advance Planning
- Regional Tournaments
- Calendar Flexibility
- Standardized Agreements
- Player Welfare
- Player Protection
- Communication and Coordination
- Regular Meetings
- Scheduling Adjustments
- Adjust Tournament Dates
By implementing these strategies, FIFA can reduce disruptions to European club football schedules during AFCON, ensuring a smoother and more sustainable calendar.
Enrichment Data sourced from Stern.de
