Professional footballers are facing unprecedented pressures due to relentless schedules, with international tournaments, league matches, and domestic cup competitions squeezing in more games than ever before. While fans enjoy year-round action, FIFPRO—the global players’ union—has sounded the alarm on the physical and mental health risks that players face from nonstop competition. The consequences of this intense workload are becoming clear, with players like Rodri, Alisson, and others expressing concern that the situation is unsustainable, with serious risks for career longevity, performance, and well-being.
The FIFPRO Report on Player Workload: What It Reveals
The recent FIFPRO “Player Workload Monitoring 2023/24” report, created in partnership with Football Benchmark, delivers a stark warning. Highlighting data from last season, the report shows players who regularly exceed the recommended limit of 50–60 games per season, with some barely getting a day of rest each week. According to FIFPRO, players regularly performing at this level breach established health standards, risking injury, mental fatigue, and diminishing game quality.
Case Study: Julián Álvarez’s Demanding Schedule
The report identifies specific players who exemplify the growing issue of player workload. Julián Álvarez, for instance, recorded 83 appearances last season, representing both Manchester City and the Argentine national team. This heavy schedule is believed to have impacted his physical endurance and performance. Players like Takumi Minamino also experience minimal recovery time, with a single day of rest between international and club games, while Cristian Romero traversed around 162,000 kilometers across multiple time zones, compounding mental and physical fatigue.
The Dangers of Frequent Air Travel for Players
Air travel for international competitions poses additional challenges for players. Long-haul flights expose players to jet lag, interrupted sleep cycles, and time zone stress, which can significantly affect recovery and performance on the field. As seen in Romero’s case, flying great distances not only takes a toll on players’ physical health but also raises sustainability concerns. Although there are efforts within sports to reduce carbon footprints, the current setup demands frequent travel, making alternative solutions complex to implement.
Are Players Facing Too Many Matches?
In recent years, many players have openly expressed their frustration with overcrowded schedules. Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni and Dani Carvajal have called for reforms, highlighting the issue of playing over 70 matches per season. Carvajal notes that the intensity of such a schedule affects both players’ well-being and the quality of the game. Even managers like Pep Guardiola have voiced concerns, lamenting the reduced pre-season preparation time, which has shrunk to mere days compared to the weeks-long training periods of previous seasons.
Key Figures Sound the Alarm
Stephane Burchkalter, FIFPRO’s interim Secretary-General, has reinforced the union’s call for prioritizing player health, emphasizing the potential risk to the game’s integrity. He warns that without urgent intervention, athletes’ physical and mental health may suffer long-term effects. Additionally, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola noted that shorter pre-season preparations combined with the current match intensity makes it impossible to maintain peak form across a season.
Strike Action: Is It on the Horizon?
The ongoing concerns have led to speculation about potential strike action. Manchester City midfielder Rodri recently hinted that players may be “close” to walking out over congested schedules. Rodri, who played 63 games for club and country last season, highlighted the strain players endure without a clear solution in sight. However, while Rodri’s comments suggest a tipping point, industry experts believe that a strike remains a distant possibility.
Legal and Contractual Obstacles
Legally, a strike would be challenging. According to Ross Meadows, head of employment at law firm Oury Clark, contracts for football players often lack provisions for strike action, meaning that a walkout could be viewed as a breach of contract. While contracts generally include clauses for rest periods in line with FIFA and UEFA regulations, the legal framework is geared more toward negotiation than labor strikes.
Will Change Happen?
The debate over fixture congestion in football has never been more intense. FIFPRO and many leading players continue to push for reforms, stressing that without meaningful change, players’ physical and mental health will be increasingly jeopardized. If solutions aren’t implemented, players may choose to exercise the only option left: demanding rest and recovery time to protect their careers.
As FIFPRO, players, and managers continue to advocate for these changes, the hope is that governing bodies will listen and act to address the issue.
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