(Reuters) - A loophole that allows national teams to boost their seedings for the World Cup by avoiding friendly matches is likely to disappear after next year's finals in Russia, with changes due to the international calendar and a FIFA review of their rankings system. Currently seedings are based on the FIFA world rankings, using a points system which calculates average points for each game and is weighted against friendly matches. Friendly internationals played in November have not counted towards the seeding pots for the World Cup as they are based on last month's FIFA rankings. "FIFA is reviewing the FIFA World Ranking system and will take a decision after the completion of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup if any changes are be made to improve the ranking," the organisation said recently. The World Cup draw will be held on Dec. 1 in Moscow.

Source: The Star November 16, 2017 19:30 UTC