Sports should be practiced in areas where the element of competition is carried to the highest level and the spirit of struggle is displayed on equal terms... And while the struggle is carried out in accordance with the spirit of fair play, it should not be exposed to any external factors - so that both the winner and the loser will be applauded.
Some seemingly small details may contradict the spirit of struggle I am talking about and may cast a shadow over the organizations. Individuals or teams competing in long marathons should compete under the same conditions and at close times, and the probability of winning/losing should be reflected on the scoreboards.
Football is a branch that includes important sports organizations that attract the masses. The competitive element that will provide the rights to participate in international competitions starts for teams in their own country leagues. The ranking they finish in their country's league will determine their popularity, success and income in the following season.
As such, local leagues become even more important. The decisions taken at the table should be about ensuring that they start, continue and end on equal terms rather than contributing positively or negatively to the struggle on the field.
When the number of teams in the leagues is reduced to an odd number instead of an even number, it means that 1 team goes through the process without playing a match every week.
For example, in a 16-team league, 8 matches would be played each week and every team would have played a match...
...but in a 17-team league, 8 matches are played every week and 1 team has to sit out the week because it can't find an opponent.
In places with very hot summers and very cold winters, it is more important which team will have a bye week. Even though it is the draw that determines this, it has a positive/negative impact on the game on the pitch.
For example, it is advantageous to be the team that has the week off instead of playing in 40+ degrees. In weeks with extreme cold temperatures and snow on the ground, it would be an advantage to have a bye. In weeks with normal temperatures and no precipitation, it would be a disadvantage to have an off week.
These details are small, but we know that in long league marathons even 1 goal is enough to change the standings. A fly is also small, but when it falls into the soup, it is enough to make you sick.
Countries that still have an odd number of national leagues should go back to an even number to ensure competition on equal terms. This way, every team should be able to play every week, or if there is a bye week, every team should have a bye week. In short, some should not wait while others play. This small detail is like a stain on the atmosphere of struggle and competition. Where competition is at a high level, the element of chance should not be left as much as possible.
Competition is more meaningful when it takes place on equal terms.