FIFPRO has criticized FIFA for ignoring the increasing pressure on players due to grueling schedules, with players fearing consequences for speaking out. As players like Rodri threaten strikes, FIFA faces mounting pressure to act before more injuries and burnout occur.
The global players’ union, FIFPRO, has called out FIFA for overlooking the “basic needs” of footballers as the sport’s governing body continues to push increasingly demanding schedules, particularly in the aftermath of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
What Happened?
FIFPRO’s general secretary, Alex Phillips, voiced concern over the growing workload faced by professional players worldwide, including both men and women. According to Phillips, many players feel the pressure of an ever-expanding fixture list, with insufficient rest periods between games. More worryingly, some footballers have expressed fear about the potential repercussions of speaking out on these issues.
Phillips said:
“Players are wary of speaking up because they don’t have the power. Individually they might have wealth, the top 1%, but 99% of players don’t have power apart from via their union or association. Before the Club World Cup, I was speaking to some of the top stars, and they were saying they hadn’t had a rest for ‘X’ amount of time. One player told me, ‘I only get a rest when I get injured.’”
She further highlighted the contradictions players face:
“Then you see some of the same players two weeks later having to record social media videos saying ‘we think the Club World Cup is so great’ because their employers tell them to do it and it’s part of their job.”
FIFA’s Response
In response, FIFA expressed disappointment over what it described as the “divisive” tone of FIFPRO‘s criticism. In a statement, FIFA emphasized the need for unity in the football community, adding:
“The game deserves unity, not division. Players deserve action, not rhetoric. FIFA will move forward together with players and those who really want the best for football.”
However, FIFPRO has highlighted the increasing frustration among players, with some, like Rodri of Manchester City, even threatening to go on strike due to the physical toll the congested calendar has taken on them.
The Bigger Picture
The situation has worsened following the Club World Cup, which many players considered an unnecessary addition to an already packed schedule. Players have complained about the lack of a proper off-season, with some teams, like Chelsea, having to turn around quickly after international tournaments to start domestic league campaigns. Chelsea won the Club World Cup on July 13, but just 35 days later, their Premier League season kicks off.
In addition, FIFPRO was reportedly excluded from an important meeting held by FIFA on player welfare, further fueling tensions between the two bodies.
What’s Next for Players and FIFA?
With FIFPRO and FIFA at odds, the ongoing debate over player welfare is unlikely to subside anytime soon. If a solution isn’t found soon, players risk dealing with further burnout and injury problems, which could have long-term consequences on their careers.
