Manchester City midfielder and Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne recently expressed his concerns about the impact of a crammed calendar on players’ health and performance. He specifically mentioned the added fixtures in both club and international competitions, highlighting the challenges that players face due to the expanded European club competitions and the upcoming men’s 32-team Club World Cup.
FIFPRO’s European member unions have taken legal action against FIFA over the expanded Club World Cup, emphasizing the lack of consideration for player welfare in the decision-making process. The complaint to the EU antitrust regulators regarding FIFA’s international match calendar reflects the growing discontent among players regarding the prioritization of financial interests over their well-being.
De Bruyne pointed out the disconnect between players’ concerns and the decisions made by FIFA and UEFA, suggesting that money speaks louder than the voices of the players. Despite efforts by player associations to find solutions, the constant addition of extra matches by governing bodies without addressing the impact on player welfare remains a critical issue.
A report by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) indicated that there is no definitive evidence of a significant increase in elite player workload since the 2000s. However, the statistics regarding the number of matches played by clubs like Manchester City and the short recovery times between games for Premier League clubs raise questions about the sustainability of the current football calendar.
The findings of the CIES report and the concerns raised by players like De Bruyne highlight the urgent need for reforms in the football calendar to prioritize player welfare. As the demands on players continue to increase without sufficient rest periods, the risk of burnout and injuries rises, affecting both individual players and the overall quality of the game.
The issues surrounding player welfare in football are complex and multifaceted. While the focus on expanding competitions and maximizing revenues is understandable from a business standpoint, it should not come at the expense of the well-being of the players who are at the heart of the sport. It is crucial for governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA to listen to the concerns of players, address the existing challenges, and work towards creating a more sustainable and balanced football calendar that benefits everyone involved.