The Qatar 2022 double qualifying round, scheduled for March 26-30, is in the language. Severe restrictions in Europe due to the pandemic make it difficult for players to travel and that is why many are calling for a postponement that does not convince all Conmebol leaders.
Just this Friday, a decision had to be made, at FIFA’s request, on the application of the calendar above all bans and the application of regulations that, in theory, force clubs to give up their stars to represent them in their countries.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has tried to mediate with European clubs, but his management has been unsuccessful. This would force them to drop the delay or eventually play with those available at the time of the call, even using local tournament players.
According to TNT Sports journalist Fernando Czyz, there are seven alternatives on the table that FIFA offers to Conmebol for making the games.
1. That all delegations go to Europe and there are games played in neutral places such as Budapest, Bucharest and Athens.
2. Play all the games 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 a Copa América with fewer participants. This would open data for qualifications.
4. Play right before the tournament, taking advantage of concentration
5. Playing after the Copa América, which is not like the players, who would come from a tiring season in the national team tournament and would not give up the holidays.
6. That in September and October, instead of two games each month, three are played
6. That Qatar, which does not understand the economic crisis and would pay for the entire trip of 10 teams, plus the logistical and health bubbles that are needed so that the Qualifiers play there on the stadiums that will be used at the World Cup.
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According to the version, what Conmebol does not want is a precedent like that of the Copa Libertadores final in Spain between Boca and River, because the leaders say that it would be the normalization of team tournaments outside South American countries, where income is needed. They are confident that Infantino’s sympathy for South American football (and his votes, that is) will be enough for the manager to find a solution and be able to play on schedule.