The global players' union FIFPRO has warned FIFA about the intense international calendar, which is affecting footballers. The organization also drew attention to the extreme heat expected at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
UNN reports with reference to Independent, DW, and Ran.
Details
The international footballers' union has issued an appeal, highlighting a number of threats to professional players, participants in club competitions, and in the context of the World Cup, which is to be held in 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Excessive demands on players are highlighted. Insufficient recovery time is emphasized. In addition, there are issues in the context of global warming.
The World Cup schedule, which is to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, as well as the choice of cities, as stated in the appeal, "may need to be reviewed to better protect the health of players." In addition, there is a need to ensure the well-being of fans.
It should be noted that FIFPRO is pursuing a lawsuit against FIFA. The strained relations between the organizations were caused, as The Independent writes, by the lack of consultations regarding the international calendar. While it is already known that FIFA has set a 21-day break between seasons, FIFPRO points out that many teams, including seven of those analyzed for the recent Club World Cup, "did not observe this minimum rest period."
The FIFPRO report emphasizes the conclusions of medical experts:
Competition rules should include at least four weeks between seasons, at least two days between appearances to ensure proper recovery
"You have players playing a large number of games, and then fewer than recommended off-season and pre-season days, and then a large number of games again. The cycle repeats. ... This leads to injuries in the worst case, and in the best case - to a decrease in performance," says FIFPRO consultant Dr. Darren Burgess.
One of the other main problems in the report was heat. And this is important when looking ahead, in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
An example is given of the decision of the managers of Borussia Dortmund. The club forced its reserve players to stay indoors because the outdoor temperature was too high.
Currently, informal negotiations are underway with the organizers of the 2026 World Cup regarding the use of stadiums with air conditioning, but "nothing concrete" has been announced yet.
Recall
In December 2024, Edoardo Bove, Fiorentina footballer, was released from intensive care after suspicions of myocarditis were found. Bove recovered, uses a defibrillator, but strict Italian rules regarding heart problems prevent the player from continuing his career in Serie A. However, he could play outside Italy.