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Emily Keogh
The Women’s Super League (WSL) has voiced “serious concerns” regarding the scheduling of the Women’s Club World Cup, which is slated for January 5 to January 30, 2028. The league warns that it could have “catastrophic” implications for both the WSL and player welfare.
These tournament dates were confirmed by the FIFA Council in December, placing the event in the midst of the English domestic season and affecting several leagues across Europe, including those in Spain, France, and Germany.
A WSL spokesperson stated that holding the tournament in January is “inconvenient at best and catastrophic at worst” for the domestic game in England, affecting commercial interests and player health. They expressed a preference for the Club World Cup to be moved to the summer.
The WSL has officially contacted FIFA to express concerns, noting that the tournament will disrupt at least five WSL match rounds, with potential additional complications due to travel and time zone differences.
The league feels they were not adequately consulted on the tournament’s timing. Arsenal, being the reigning Champions League winners, is expected to participate.
According to coefficient rankings, at least one additional WSL club, possibly Chelsea, may qualify, although no formal qualification process has been established yet.
The WSL emphasized that they support clubs competing but reserve the right to prohibit English teams from taking part if necessary.
The planned 2028 Club World Cup is bracketed by the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which adds greater strain to player workloads amid an increasingly congested international match schedule.
Before the WSL’s statement, FIFA’s chief football officer, Jill Ellis, mentioned, “We will initiate a new calendar conversation in 2030, looking at the entire system with all stakeholders in mind, recognizing the importance of players.” She noted that the January window was generally agreed upon.
The Club World Cup was initially slated for 2026 but was shifted to 2028. In its place, FIFA scheduled the inaugural Champions Cup for the end of January, which directly conflicts with the WSL match calendar.
Sources indicate that the Champions Cup was originally intended for the U.S. West Coast; however, due to midseason travel and critical WSL matches—Arsenal will face Chelsea and Manchester City around the tournament—the location was moved to London.
No official host for the Club World Cup has been confirmed yet, but reports suggest Qatar is a potential candidate. FIFA has shown interest in this idea, even though no discussions have taken place.