Will Pep Guardiola succeed at last? Following players’ threats of legal action, FIFA offers negotiations to address the crowded match schedule.

FIFA have offered to hold talks with various leagues and player unions after legal action was threatened over expanding the football calendar.

As FIFA continues to add and expand competitions to the worldwide calendar, the European Leagues organization has previously declared that a complaint will be lodged to the European Commission. Pep Guardiola has frequently criticised the way tournaments are run, claiming that it leaves players “exhausted”.

FIFA increased the number of teams competing in the World Cup from 32 to 48, and from next year, a 32-team Club World Cup will also be held every four years.

FIFA has now invited FIFPro and the World Leagues Association to participate in conciliation talks. It is clear that the international regulatory organization wishes to delay the prospect of legal action.

FIFA issued a statement stating, “We are still willing to have discussions,” according to the Associated Press. FIFA believes that taking football to court is not the best line of action.”

FIFA also claims that its position “serves and balances the overall interests of world football, including the protection of players”.