FIFPRO, the global players’ union, has issued a stark warning about the risk of player burnout due to the rising number of fixtures in top-tier football. The union is particularly concerned about the impacts of UEFA’s expanding Champions League and FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup. Which they argue are contributing to an unsustainable workload for elite players.
Phil Foden, who played the highest number of games among English players last season, clocked a staggering 72 appearances. This figure was only surpassed by his former Manchester City teammate, Julian Alvarez, who made 75 appearances. Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez also reached the 72-game mark. FIFPRO’s survey of 1,500 top players revealed that 17% of them participated in 55 or more games last season. Over half of those surveyed reported experiencing excessive workload demands, prompting FIFPRO to advocate for urgent reforms.
The union proposes a cap on number of games played per season, suggesting a maximum of 50 to 60 matches. They also recommend that players should not participate in more than six consecutive games and should receive a minimum three-week summer break. According to FIFPRO, the current situation leaves players with only 12% of their time free, significantly less than a day off per week, which they argue violates health and safety regulations.
FIFPRO board member and PFA CEO Maheta Molango highlighted the benefits of adequate rest, using Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah as examples. Molango noted that both players have thrived this season following proper summer breaks. Contrasting their performance with those of players who missed out on sufficient rest.
“It’s refreshing to hear players express their excitement about returning to training after a proper break,” Molango said. “This rest has clearly contributed to their outstanding performances.” He emphasized that players who did not receive such breaks appear fatigued and struggle to maintain their form.
FIFPRO has taken legal action against FIFA regarding the Club World Cup, but Molango clarified that their concerns extend beyond this single competition. “Our issue is with the overall accumulation of fixtures and the lack of cohesive planning among different competitions,” he explained. “The Club World Cup merely highlights the broader problem.”
The union also cited case of Jude Bellingham, who has faced a heavy workload with both England and Real Madrid. FIFPRO’s Alexander Bielefeld expressed alarm over the increasing demands placed on young players like Bellingham, comparing their current situation to past stars such as Wayne Rooney.
“The upcoming season could be the most challenging ever in terms of player workload,” Bielefeld warned. “Without specific safeguards, the risks for young players are concerning.”
FIFPRO’s Davide Terrier, also vice-president of the French players’ union UNFP, mentioned that a strike would be a last resort. “We prefer to seek solutions through dialogue, but if our concerns are ignored, players may be forced to take drastic measures,” he said. “We hope to avoid this scenario, as it would be detrimental to football.”
FIFPRO’s call for reform underscores urgent need to address the growing strain on players due to an overloaded fixture schedule. The union’s proposed measures aim to ensure the well-being of players while maintaining the integrity and excitement of the sport.
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