After Sepp Blatter backed up his own proposal to move European club soccer to a summer schedule with the support of “Europe’s big clubs,” G14, the organization that represents them has come forward saying they would be open to discuss the possibility. This doesn’t mean they necessarily like the idea. “If it is for the good of the game to have summer football – we have to be convinced,” said David Dein, the acting chairman of the G14 board, and vice-chairman of English giant Arsenal. “This has got to be discussed with the clubs, television, coaches and players. Someone has to ask the players; this is a work in progress.” In other words, expect a long, protracted inquiry into the possibility. The idea is borne out of concern over players’ fitness. “Having 38 matches in the league, 15 in one cup, 10 in another and six international games is unworkable,” a FIFA source. Many want to see competitions such as the biennial African Nations Cup moved to the summer months so only one tournament every four years is held during the European club season. It’s still unclear what FIFA plans to do about a World Cup year under its latest proposal. Separately, FIFA has said that clubs would be setting up and insurance mechanism to guard against long-term injuries to certain players on international duty.