Blatter is set on collision course
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FIFA supremo Blatter keen to cut leagues down to size
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FRANKFURT, Germany -- FIFA President Sepp Blatter said on Tuesday that clubs were playing too many matches and called for national leagues to be limited to 16 teams.
Blatter, in Frankfurt ahead of Friday's World Cup qualifying draw, said he plans to put the proposal to FIFA's executive committee on Thursday.
"I'm in favor of reducing each national league to 16 teams," Blatter said.
"We are going to propose 30 league matchdays and 15 other dates for other national competitions, such as cups.
"Now it's up to the national federations to see how they can work out these 45 matchdays."
Although his plan is bound to be contested by the G14 group of Europe's most powerful clubs, Blatter said he hopes to have the proposal ratified next May.
"I will talk to the executive committee about the plan and I want it to be ratified at the next (FIFA)centenary congress in Paris."
Blatter maintains there is too much club football being played and is in favor of harmonising the fixtures of each country in order to establish a uniform world calendar.
"I still feel that there is too much club football," added Blatter.
"There is too much on offer and it is affecting clubs' finances. It's because of this that players are complaining of fatigue and that all of a sudden we're confronted with doping in the sport.
"This is the worst thing that can happen. Whoever denies this is simply choosing to ignore reality. Football as a product must become a rarity if it is going to retain its value."
Blatter's ideas for club football have already met with opposition from the G14, an unofficial group of Europe's most powerful clubs which includes the likes of Inter Milan, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
However, Blatter said he would not deal with the clubs he is trying to push into accepting his plans.
"I will not deal with the G14. I did it once and it wasn't a good decision. In any case, the G14 is not a recognised organisation within European football."
