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The 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar continues to spark controversy for multiple reasons, one of which being that its matches will begin on Nov. 21, meaning the tournament will interrupt domestic calendars around the world.
As things stand today, the English Premier League is on track to hold its final fixtures ahead of world football’s biggest party on Nov. 12-13. It appears those dates may not feature certain marquee matchups.
ESPN’s James Olley reports that the English Football Association submitted a formal request to the Premier League asking for it to avoid scheduling so-called “Big Six” games for Nov. 12-13, less than 10 full days before England faces Iran on Nov. 21.
This would mean that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur would not face each other over the weekend before the World Cup to prevent players from participating in particularly grueling contests immediately before they leave their clubs for international duties.
Per Olley, Premier League fixtures are randomly generated by digital company Atos minus “golden-rule” scenarios. For example, close rivals such as Liverpool and Everton don’t host matches on the same day over safety and security concerns.
“What would help is if we don’t get a derby or those sorts of ‘big six’ games,” England manager Gareth Southgate said back in March about the schedule for Nov. 12-13. “But it’s not the fault of the League the World Cup is being held in the winter.”
Both the FA and the Premier League declined to comment on the matter when contacted by ESPN.
England and Iran share Group B in the World Cup with the United States and Wales.
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