Rising Concerns: FIFPRO Challenges FIFA Over Player Workloads

The latest FIFPRO report reveals that players have only 12% of the year to rest due to a packed soccer calendar. The global players' union has lodged a complaint with EU antitrust regulators against FIFA, highlighting health and safety concerns. Legal actions and expanded tournaments exacerbate the issue.

A newly released FIFPRO report highlights that soccer players are left with merely 12% of the year to rest, equating to less than one day off weekly. This alarming statistic is part of a broader complaint filed to EU antitrust regulators against FIFA's exhausting international match calendar.

The report criticizes competition organizers for prioritizing fixtures over player welfare, revealing that 54% of monitored players endure high workloads, often surpassing medical advice. More than half of these athletes were involved in at least 55 games this season, and many faced consecutive weeks with multiple games.

This issue is aggravated by the expansion of international tournaments, such as the men's Club World Cup. With increased match obligations, players like Federico Valverde, Nicolo Barella, and Phil Foden might soon play up to 80 games per season. Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino's defense, claiming minimal FIFA-organized matches, the report underscores a significant gap between competition planners and players.

(With inputs from agencies.)