It is not new for players and coaches to complain about the overcrowded match schedule. According to the head of the English players' union (PFA), footballers are now considering a strike.
Players' unions FIFPRO and the PFA organized a conference last Thursday to discuss the extreme workload for footballers, a topic that has long been a point of contention.
Premier League CEO Richard Masters and La Liga president Javier Tebas were also in attendance, highlighting the significance of the issue across different football leagues. During the event, collective action against the overcrowded match schedule was a central topic of discussion. "We can't continue like this," said David Terrier, president of the European branch of FIFPro.
"The players are at their limit, and the international calendar is filled to the brim," he continued. "We have a choice. We can continue this way, or we can listen to the players and national leagues." Terrier's remarks underscored the growing frustration among players who feel their concerns have been consistently overlooked.
The PFA has long been advocating for more attention to the overcrowded match schedule, a problem exacerbated by the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup scheduled for next summer. Maheta Molango, head of the PFA, expressed the players' increasing consideration of a strike. In an interview with the BBC, he explained, "Some said, 'I can't take this, we might as well strike.' Others said, 'What's the point? I'm a millionaire, but I don't even have time to spend the money.'"
The sentiment among players reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the current state of the football calendar. The relentless schedule, filled with domestic league matches, international fixtures, and various cup competitions, leaves little room for rest and recovery, leading to physical and mental exhaustion.
The PFA had previously threatened legal action against the overcrowded schedule, emphasizing the potential health risks for players. FIFPro also recently sounded the alarm, calling for immediate reforms to ensure players' welfare. The unions argue that without significant changes, the quality of the game will suffer, and players' careers could be prematurely shortened due to injuries and burnout.
This call to action is not just about immediate relief but about long-term sustainability in football. Players and unions are urging governing bodies to rethink the structure of the football calendar, prioritizing players' health and well-being. The ongoing discussions and potential for collective action, including strikes, highlight the urgency of the issue and the need for collaborative solutions involving leagues, clubs, and players' representatives.
