New Delhi: The newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup set to debut in 2025 is under intense scrutiny from players and unions alike. A spokesperson from FIFPRO, the global players’ union indicated on Wednesday that a player strike is a conceivable response to the growing discontent over the tournament’s implementation and its impact on players’ well-being.
The revamped Club World Cup will feature 32 teams and will be staged in the US from June to July next year significantly increasing the already packed football calendar. Players and unions have voiced concerns over the potential strain on athletes citing risks of physical burnout and mental exhaustion. FIFPRO’s remarks underline the seriousness of these concerns as they continue to advocate for reforms that prioritize player welfare.
FIFPRO policy and strategic relations director Alexander Bielefeld said, “We have seen players’ strikes in different sports. We also have seen it in professional football and the players (have) proactively talked about it.” He added, “I think it’s quite a unique moment in terms of how connected players are on this issue. So I, personally, would also not rule anything out at this point.”
2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri raised the same point and mentioned in September that the players were close to taking strike action because of the addition of the number of games. Manchester United midfielder sustained a season-ending ACL injury days later.
FIFPRO commissioned Belgium university KU Leuven to study occupational safety and health standards related to football and on Wednesday they submitted a report. After which FIFPRO said governing bodies had shown no commitment towards identifying holistic health and safety standards to address player needs in a high-risk environment.
A new report confirms that European and international Occupational Safety and Health standards apply to professional football.
Players, recognised as workers, are entitled to the same protections as others, regardless of income or the specificities of the sport.
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) November 20, 2024
The new Club World Cup was initially welcomed by Europe’s top clubs, but players’ unions and domestic leagues have since lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission in Brussels over how it was added to the global football calendar.
FIFPRO has stated that it will include the report submitted by KU Leuven as evidence in its complaint Despite resistance, FIFA is moving forward with the Club World which FIFA President Gianni Infantino described last week as the “start of a new era for football”.
The revamped Club World Cup format has sparked significant criticism, with FIFPRO voicing worries about the toll on players’ physical and mental health due to the ever-tightening football calendar. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
