Arsene Wenger's Mission to Revamp Player Welfare

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to lead a FIFA task force on player welfare amid complaints about packed schedules harming players physically and mentally. The task force will formulate recommendations based on scientific research, addressing the challenges posed by increased match frequencies.

Amid escalating concerns over packed football schedules, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will head a FIFA task force concentrating on player welfare, as confirmed by the world soccer authority on Monday. Complaints have surged recently, with players' union FIFPRO, Spain's LaLiga, and the European leagues' group lodging a joint complaint to the European Union's antitrust regulators, condemning FIFA for 'calendar abuse.'

A recent FIFPRO report highlighted that some players only receive 12% of the year to recuperate. With FIFA's upcoming 32-team Club World Cup and new international competitions, the frequency of matches per season is anticipated to rise. In a statement, FIFA outlined that the task force aims to evaluate and implement effective player safeguards, considering various operational, medical, regulatory, and legal viewpoints.

Wenger, currently serving as FIFA's chief of global football development, remarked on the significant progress in player welfare improvements, describing it as 'unrecognisable' compared to previous standards. The task force is expected to base its player wellbeing recommendations on the latest scientific findings, with plans to convene in the coming weeks.

(With inputs from agencies.)