MLS Commissioner Calls for Strategic Football Planning Amid Growing Concerns Over Fixture Overload

 

Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber has added his voice to calls for greater accountability in football, urging FIFA to adopt a more strategic approach to the sport. As concerns about the expanding football calendar continue to mount, Garber emphasized the need for thoughtful decision-making by the sport's governing bodies.

Speaking at the Leaders Week conference in London, Garber expressed excitement about FIFA’s new Club World Cup, set to take place in the U.S. next summer. However, he also acknowledged the growing concerns over fixture congestion, particularly following the recent legal challenge by players' union Fifpro over FIFA’s expansion plans and lack of consultation.

"The world is shrinking, and with that sports are evolving," Garber said. "I just want everyone to be thoughtful about it. Be strategic. Be mindful of the impact of these decisions on fans and stakeholders. We need to make decisions not just for today but for a better tomorrow."

Garber, who is not directly involved in FIFA’s decision-making, emphasized the importance of collaboration and long-term thinking within the sport. Referring to the backlash from English fans over the proposed Super League, he highlighted the need for careful consideration of decisions that affect the future of football.

“I can’t criticize any individual decisions as I’m not part of FIFA’s decision-making process, but I do believe in working hard to ensure that FIFA leaders are aware of the impact their decisions have," Garber said. "We all need to be thinking about how the dots connect, and that requires leadership and strategic thinking about the sport."

MLS will have at least two teams competing in the 2025 Club World Cup, a competition that has yet to secure a broadcast deal with only months remaining before it begins. Despite some criticism, including from La Liga President Javier Tebas, who has called for FIFA to cancel the tournament, Garber defended the event.

"We’ll have at least two teams in it, and it will be very valuable for our teams," Garber stated. "We’ve been working hard to demonstrate our competitiveness globally, and the best way to do that is through meaningful competition against clubs from outside MLS."

Garber also acknowledged the need for careful management of the football calendar, aligning with Tebas’s concerns. He stressed that all stakeholders must be more engaged in the decision-making process, particularly when it comes to international tournaments like the Club World Cup.

As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host, Garber emphasized that the Club World Cup will play a vital role in increasing interest in soccer. However, he remains mindful of the need to balance this excitement with a manageable fixture schedule for players and teams alike.