The World Cup could begin on a different date after a proposal was put to FIFA requesting hosts Qatar kick off the finals.
The tournament is due to start on Monday, November 21 with the Group A clash between Holland and Senegal. Qatar are in the same group but are scheduled to take part in the third match, against Ecuador, after England start their campaign against Group B rivals Iran.
However, it is customary for the hosts to open the tournament and the PA news agency understands FIFA is currently considering a proposal to alter the start date.
The change would shift the Qatar v Ecuador match a day earlier to Sunday, November 20 at 7pm local time, making it the only game played that day. The request, which follows the agreement of both teams as well as South American Football Confederation CONMEBOL, is now with the FIFA Council.
England’s opener at the Khalifa International Stadium would not be affected and neither would the other Group B clash between Wales and the United States. Holland v Senegal would be moved to the time slot currently occupied by Qatar, meaning it would be sandwiched between the England and Wales matches.
It is also understood that, as things stand, moving the game forward would also not have any impact on the release dates for players from their clubs.
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