FIFA has been warned players are willing to go on strike if they continue to be overworked
neoeraadmin
3 min read
The world of football is on the brink of upheaval as players threaten to strike over the increasingly congested match schedule. FIFA, the sport’s governing body, has been warned by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) that players are nearing a breaking point due to excessive workloads.
PFA chief executive Maheta Molango highlighted the growing frustration among players during the PFA and world players’ union Fifpro’s end-of-season review of player workload and recovery. Molango emphasized that the situation is dire, with players themselves considering drastic measures.
“I recently spoke to a dressing room directly affected by this issue, and many players expressed their willingness to strike,” Molango said. “Some players feel that despite being millionaires, they don’t even have time to enjoy their earnings due to the relentless schedule.”
Prominent managers like Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have also voiced their concerns, reinforcing the urgency of the situation. The PFA has not only threatened legal action but is actively exploring ways to challenge the increasing number of games in the football calendar.
In May, Fifpro and the World Leagues Association (WLA), which includes the Premier League, sent a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and general secretary Mattias Grafstrom. The letter, seen by BBC Sport, threatens legal action if FIFA proceeds with plans to host a 32-team Club World Cup next summer.
The letter criticizes FIFA for imposing additional burdens on national leagues and players, calling the move “inherently abusive” and detrimental to the health and wellbeing of players. Despite these warnings, FIFA maintains that it has considered player welfare in its scheduling program.
Molango pointed out that changes in the domestic calendar in England are partly driven by FIFA and UEFA’s actions. “We have exhausted diplomatic avenues and sent a letter, receiving a response, but time is against us,” he said. “Sometimes, a third party like an arbitrator or tribunal is necessary to find a solution.”
A study on young players highlighted the intense physical stress they endure. For instance, Real Madrid and England’s Jude Bellingham, at just 20 years old, has already played 18,486 minutes in his career, far exceeding the minutes played by legends like David Beckham and Frank Lampard at the same age.
David Terrier, Fifpro’s Europe president, also warned of the physical and mental burnout among players. A recent survey revealed that over 50% of respondents had played while carrying an injury, underscoring the urgent need for change.
“There is an emergency; we are in danger,” Terrier stated. “Players have gone beyond their limits, and the international timetable is overwhelming.”
Addressing the issue, Infantino stated at a recent FIFA congress that FIFA organizes only a small fraction of top club matches, with the majority managed by various leagues and associations. “FIFA’s mission is to organize events and competitions and develop football worldwide. Our revenues support football in 211 countries,” he said.
As tensions rise, the football community watches closely to see if FIFA will take meaningful steps to address player welfare or face potential strikes that could disrupt the sport globally.
