A recent report from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), commissioned by the global football players’ union FIFPRO, has brought to light alarming concerns regarding player welfare in professional football. This document, which will accompany a joint complaint against FIFA regarding antitrust violations, argues that the world’s governing body of football is neglecting essential safety standards, thereby breaching both European and international legal frameworks. The implications of such negligence extend far beyond legal technicalities—they directly threaten the health and wellbeing of the players who form the backbone of the sport.
The issues raised in the report predominantly revolve around FIFA’s increasingly congested competition calendar, particularly with the introduction of a newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup set for next year. With the tournament expanding from seven to 32 participating teams, this ambitious move signifies a deteriorating respect for players’ limits. Frank Hendrickx, the director of the Institute for Labour Law at KU Leuven, highlighted a critical irony in the world of sports: the disregard for employment and labour standards. Given that professional footballers are indeed workers, there is an urgent need for the enforcement of labour laws that prioritize their health and safety.
The demands placed on players are manifold, comprising not only the sheer volume of matches but also extensive travel schedules. Sleep disruption and late-night travel are notable contributors to a growing culture of fatigue that afflicts many in the sport. The report underscores how these cumulative stressors significantly elevate injury rates among professional footballers, akin to a high-risk occupation. Lode Godderis, an expert in occupational health and safety, pointed out the unique burden within football: the intersection of physical and mental fatigue has led to inflated injury rates, which are markedly higher than those in many other industries.
FIFPRO’s legal actions against FIFA are further complicated by the implications these demanding schedules have on collective bargaining agreements. The union argues that the way FIFA has structured the international calendar actively makes it impossible for players to adhere to these agreements. Alfonso Lamadrid, a competition law expert, emphasized that FIFA is not only failing to ensure the safety of players but is also creating circumstances that jeopardize compliance with crucial health and safety principles. Footballers are finding themselves trapped in a system that prioritizes profit over their well-being, threatening the very foundation of the sport.
The sentiment shared among players is one of growing unrest. Alexander Bielefeld, FIFPRO’s director of policy and strategic relations, noted an increase in players voicing concerns about their unsustainable schedules. With a multitude of competitions looming on the horizon—including an evolving Champions League format and the World Cup in 2026—many players feel they are on the brink of a mental and physical crisis. The feedback from players reflects a critical realization: they are unwilling to accept the mounting pressures of an overloaded calendar that seems only to intensify over time.
The research conducted by KU Leuven serves not only as a critical analysis of existing standards in professional football but also as a clarion call for reform. It is imperative that governing bodies recognize the urgent need to balance commercial ambitions with the health and welfare of the athletes. As more players rally for systemic change, it becomes clear that the current trajectory is unsustainable. Advancing player welfare should no longer be an afterthought but an urgent priority for FIFA and affiliated organizations.
The findings of the KU Leuven report paint a troubling picture of the current state of professional football. If the sport is to thrive sustainably, it must prioritize the welfare of its players. A radical reconceptualization of the competition calendar, alongside adherence to occupational safety and health standards, is essential. The ongoing legal actions against FIFA highlight the dire need for accountability in the sport. Only through collective effort and unwavering commitment can professional football elevate its standards and protect those who dedicate their lives to the game. As the tides of change begin to swell, the future of football and its players rests in the balance.