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. De Bruyne highlighted the potential negative impact on players’ health and performance due to the crammed calendar.
De Bruyne raised specific concerns about the upcoming men’s 32-team Club World Cup, scheduled to start in the United States next June. With only three weeks separating the final of the Club World Cup and the first Premier League match, players will have limited time to rest and prepare for an additional 80 matches. The midfielder emphasized the challenges that the increased workload poses for players and the lack of consideration for their well-being by competition organizers.
The soccer players’ union FIFPRO has taken action by filing a complaint with EU antitrust regulators regarding FIFA’s international match calendar. FIFPRO reported that some players have as little as 12% of the year to rest, underscoring the urgent need for prioritizing player welfare. De Bruyne acknowledged the efforts made by player associations, including the Professional Footballers’ Association in England, to find solutions to the escalating issue. However, he noted that despite raising concerns, UEFA and FIFA continue to add more matches without addressing the players’ voices.
A report by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) found no clear evidence of a significant increase in elite player workload since the 2000s. The independent research center in Switzerland emphasized that reigning Club World Cup champions Manchester City played nearly 63% of their official matches in league-organized competitions during the 2023-2024 season. While club friendlies accounted for 4.8% of City’s total games, FIFA-organized fixtures made up 3.2%, and UEFA matches represented 17.7%. The report also highlighted that Premier League clubs in England had the highest number of domestic back-to-back matches (87) among top European leagues, with an average recovery time of 67.3 hours between games.
Kevin De Bruyne’s remarks shed light on the pressing issue of player welfare amidst the growing demands of professional football. As competition organizers prioritize financial gains over the well-being of players, it is essential for governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA to consider the long-term impact of fixture congestion on player health and performance. Collaborative efforts between player associations and regulatory bodies are crucial in finding sustainable solutions to ensure the welfare of athletes in the sport.
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