The issue of player fatigue in football has transformed into a pressing dilemma, especially as the schedules of elite competitions expand. Over the years, professional footballers have voiced frustration concerning their relentless workloads, and the rise of UEFA’s revamped club tournaments alongside FIFA’s new Club World Cup has intensified these concerns. Instances of player burnout
FIFA Club World Cup
As the global football community witnesses an increasing frequency of matches, the burden on players reaches unprecedented levels. Recently, the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) has raised significant concerns over fixture congestion, taking a notable stance against FIFA’s scheduling practices. The intense competition and rising match frequency not only pose health risks to players but also
In recent years, the landscape of elite football has undergone a significant transformation. Players are now finding themselves immersed in a relentless schedule that seems to stretch beyond the limits of human endurance. Manuel Akanji, a defender for Manchester City, has humorously remarked on the potential for retiring at the age of 30 due to
Manchester City midfielder and Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne recently spoke out about the prioritization of money over player welfare by FIFA and UEFA. He expressed his worries about the increasing number of fixtures in both club and international competitions, especially after the expansion of all three European club competitions to 36 teams this season.
Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has brought attention to the club’s packed fixture list this season. With the prospect of competing for seven major trophies, including LaLiga, the Champions League, and the new Intercontinental Cup, Ancelotti is considering giving players individual holidays throughout the season to prevent burnout. Ancelotti recognizes the importance of rest
Recently, FIFA extended an olive branch to global groups of soccer leagues and player unions in an attempt to resolve a three-month dispute over the crowded competitions calendar. The World Leagues Association and FIFPRO were on the brink of legal action against FIFA due to the continuous addition of games and tournaments that were putting
Players union FIFPRO has taken a bold step by filing a legal claim against FIFA, challenging the governing body’s decisions regarding the scheduling of the FIFA Club World Cup. FIFPRO, along with member unions such as England’s Professional Footballers’ Association and France’s players union, submitted a claim to the Brussels court of commerce. The claim
Real Madrid has recently been at the center of speculation regarding their participation in FIFA’s newly expanded Club World Cup tournament. Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s interview with the Italian newspaper Il Giornale seemed to suggest that Madrid would “refuse the invitation” to take part in the 32-team competition scheduled for June and July 2025 in the
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti recently made headlines by announcing that the club will not be participating in the first edition of FIFA’s new Club World Cup tournament next summer. Ancelotti cited a lack of financial incentive as the primary reason for Madrid’s decision to skip the tournament, despite having qualified by winning the Champions
The world of soccer is currently in turmoil as players are considering going on strike due to the overloaded playing calendar imposed by FIFA. The chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), Maheta Molango, has been vocal about the detrimental effects of the packed schedule on players’ health and the quality of the sport.