Workplace safety has become an alarming issue for football players due to the increasing incidents of fan violence. Flares and missiles being hurled from the stands, pitch invasions, and verbal abuse are just a few examples of the hostile environment players have to endure. The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) recently released a report titled ‘The Impact of Violence Towards Footballers in Their Workplace,’ shedding light on this pressing matter. According to the report, players often feel compelled to remain silent about the aggression they face, fearing that speaking up might worsen the abuse or affect their career prospects.
The report contains extensive findings based on player interviews, surveys conducted among 41 national unions, media reports, and research by Dr. Joel Rookwood from University College Dublin. It highlights the serious repercussions of such abuse, with 88% of unions stating that the threat of violence leads to poor performance by players. Additionally, 83% of unions acknowledge that it contributes to mental health issues like depression. These statistics underline the need for immediate action to address workplace safety concerns in football.
The FIFPRO report revealed that 98% of unions support the increased use of technology, such as security scanners and facial recognition, to identify and deter perpetrators of violence. Furthermore, 88% of unions believe that clubs should do more to ban violent fans. Cooperation among football stakeholders, social partners, and public institutions is crucial to developing measures that prioritize the safety of players, staff, and spectators. Alexander Bielefeld, FIFPRO’s director of global policy and strategic relations for men’s football, emphasized the responsibility of clubs, leagues, and federations in creating a secure working environment for players to perform at their best.
The report highlights the numerous threats to player safety, with missiles posing the greatest risk, especially for goalkeepers due to their proximity to the fans. Two-thirds of unions surveyed expressed concern about fans throwing objects during matches. According to the report, there were approximately 114 incidents of pyrotechnics or missiles disrupting matches last season, leading to several players sustaining significant injuries. One instance involved Universidad de Chile goalkeeper Martin Parra, who was hospitalized after being hit by a firecracker during a match in September 2022.
The report also addresses the issue of racism, which has plagued football in recent years. Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior was repeatedly subjected to racist abuse on the pitch, including during a fixture against Valencia. The Spanish federation (RFEF) took action against Valencia, ordering a partial closure of their Mestalla Stadium for three matches and issuing a fine. This incident serves as a stark reminder that player safety is not limited to the pitch alone.
FIFPRO’s report emphasizes that player and staff safety is a concern beyond the confines of the stadium. Lyon manager Fabio Grosso suffered a severe eye injury when their bus was attacked by Marseille fans en route to Stade Vélodrome in October. The game had to be postponed, and when it was eventually replayed, Marseille emerged victorious. Such incidents highlight the need for comprehensive safety measures to protect individuals associated with football, both on and off the field.
The issue of workplace safety in football demands urgent attention. Fan violence, racist abuse, and off-pitch incidents pose significant threats to the well-being of players and staff. The FIFPRO report calls for enhanced cooperation among stakeholders, greater utilization of technology, and stricter measures against violent fans. Football clubs, leagues, and federations must recognize their responsibility in providing a secure environment for players to thrive. Only by addressing these concerns can the beautiful game truly flourish without unnecessary risks.