TOP STORIES - WC 2022: Players to be released by clubs a week before

According to L'Équipe this afternoon, players called up to compete in the 2022 World Cup would only be freed from their clubs one week before the tournament begins.

According to a letter acquired by L'Équipe that was handed out by UEFA last July to its 55 member associations, players would only be accessible from November 14.

The competition runs from November 21 to December 18, and the last matchday of the domestic leagues will be the weekend before the World Cup begins.

Because the tournament will take place in the fall, the domestic football schedule will be reworked to accommodate it — the Ligue 1 and 2 officials are due to meet tomorrow to discuss options.