Officially… easing the rules for female players joining national teams before the World Cup

FIFA and the European Clubs Association decided to relax the rules for when players join their national teams in preparation for the start of the Women’s World Cup this year in Australia and New Zealand.

The original date of July 10, 10 days before the start of the tournament, drew criticism from people who said the short rest period could lead to an increase in injuries.

Although the mandatory release date remains July 10 for players whose clubs have matches up to that date, players whose domestic season has ended can be allowed to call up from June 23-29, four weeks before the start of the tournament.

“The framework that has been agreed takes into account the existence of different playing seasons for leagues around the world,” FIFA and the European Clubs Association said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

“This new tire strikes the all-important balance between players getting enough rest while allowing enough time to prepare for the World Cup.”