The Colombian league runs concurrently with the world football championship for several days each cycle.
Every four years, the global stage pauses as the world’s premier football tournament unfolds. Fans anticipate intense battles between top teams and standout players, all hoping to lift the coveted trophy and etch a lasting memory in the sport’s history.
Although the World Cup is traditionally staged in the middle of the calendar year, the 2022 edition in Qatar required calendar shifts caused by climate conditions in the host nation. That adjustment pushed the tournament toward year-end, altering the usual rhythm of football seasons around the globe.
These shifts, paired with some unique circumstances in the BetPlay competition, meant both events ran in parallel for a stretch. That coexistence is unusual for most fans who are accustomed to a clear separation between the league season and World Cup period.
Why does the BetPlay League continue during the World Cup in Qatar?
Multiple considerations ultimately led to the local league staying active alongside the World Cup, despite FIFA guidelines that typically urge championships to conclude before the final matchday. Those guidelines are especially influential for countries whose clubs supply players to national teams competing in the Middle East.
Colombia’s exit from the South American qualifiers played a pivotal role. The decision to seek more time from FIFA was driven by the league’s organizers, who aimed to balance the domestic schedule with the broader global football calendar. The BetPlay League originally planned a return to normal scheduling on November 30, but that projection evolved as the situation developed.
Later, the Major Division of Colombian Soccer reported a pause in the Quadrangulares after a meeting with the participating teams. The interruption was linked to major event clashes in Bogotá and Medellín, where the Bad Bunny concerts were scheduled to take place at Nemesio Camacho El Campín and Atanasio Girardot stadiums respectively. This needed to be weighed against the league’s commitments and the safety and logistics of hosting large crowds during league matches.
To avoid disadvantaging clubs like Millonarios, Santa Fe, and Medellín by moving their home fixtures to alternative venues, a dedicated break window was established from November 13 to 23. The consequence of this pause was an adjustment to the league’s final phase, shifting the dates to preserve competitive balance while accommodating the broader event calendar in the country.
As a result, the two-legged final extended into early December, with the first leg scheduled for December 4 and the second leg on December 7. This scheduling kept the BetPlay League in play while fans followed the World Cup action from Qatar, creating a period of bustling football and cross-continental attention.
Citation: Goal