MANCHESTER, England (AP) — FIFA has been asked to reschedule it expanded Club World Cup just over a year before the tournament is due to be held in the United States.
The world players’ association FIFPRO and the World Leagues association are calling for reform of the international fixture calendar, which is controlled by soccer’s world governing body.
In a letter obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday, FIFA was accused of pushing players “beyond their limits, with significant risks of injury” by expanding its competitions.
FIFPRO and the WLA say this affects the players’ welfare and their “fundamental rights”.
ONE 32-team Club World Cup could be FIFA’s answer to the dominance of the Champions League and the English Premier League as one of the most popular and lucrative sporting events in the world. But it has sparked concerns about demanding more and more from players full race calendarwhich will include an expanded 48-team World Cup from 2026.
The new edition of the Club World Cup is scheduled for June 15 to July 13 next year and will mean three consecutive years of major events during the usual off-season, as the European Championship and Copa America are held this summer and the next World Cup is in 2026.
FIFA has previously stated that the dates will be “harmoniously aligned with the international competition calendar” to ensure adequate rest for players before the start of domestic leagues.
However, FIFPRO and the WLA are demanding that the international calendar be “adjusted immediately”.
As well as rescheduling the Club World Cup, they want to reopen discussions on transfer windows for players from 2024-30 and reconsider the ‘Intercontinental Cup’, which effectively replaces the old Club World Cup, which was an event short form was organized at the end of the year.
The letter warns that legal action could be taken against FIFA if the governing body does not comply.
“Leagues and players cannot simply be expected to ‘conform’ to FIFA’s decisions, which are driven by FIFA’s business strategy. We have reached the point where this situation must be addressed immediately both procedurally and substantively,” the letter reads.
FIFPRO is increasingly concerned about the physical and mental health of players in the face of increasing demands.
last season, Manchester United and Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes made 70 appearances for club and country, including a run of 20 consecutive matches as a result of the mid-campaign World Cup in Qatar.
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri played in 10 different competitions.
There have been claims that such demands could lead to burnout, injury and premature career limitation.
Concerns will hardly be eased by UEFA changing the format of the Champions League from next season, with two extra games. The European Championship has also expanded in recent years.
Report last year by FIFPRO analyzed the impact of what he described as “extreme calendar congestion”. He said 43% of World Cup players surveyed had experienced “extreme or increased mental fatigue”.
The Associated Press has reached out to FIFA for comment.
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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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