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Al Etihad
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Football: FIFA, global player unions agree to mandatory rest periods
13 July 2025 14:55 (AGENCIES)FIFA and the players' unions Sunday reached a consensus on a mandatory 72-hour minimum gap between games, and a three-week period of rest in the closed season, world soccer's governing body agreement, secured during a meeting in New York between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and senior figures from global player unions, is viewed as a victory for football's player concerns of player burnout, players' groups had demanded action on player welfare following FIFA's decision to stage this summer's inaugural 32-team Club World Cup during the European offseason.A proposal for players' unions to participate in FIFA Council meetings when players' matters are addressed will also be a statement, FIFA said: "The meeting addressed key issues concerning player health (both men and women), a top priority given that it forms part of the occupational risk prevention framework established by the International Labour Organization (ILO)."FIFA and the player unions reviewed upcoming joint projects involving the world's football governing body and players' representative organisations, with a specific focus on player rest and recovery, as well as competitions within the context of the International Match Calendar (IMC)."There is a consensus that there must be at least 72 hours of rest between matches, and that players should have a rest period / holiday of at least 21 days at the end of each season."FIFA president Gianni Infantino has faced pressure from player unions over the expansion of the Club World Cup."This [rest] period should be managed individually by each club and the respective players also depending on their match calendars and taking into account applicable collective agreements. Furthermore, a rest day per week should also be planned, whilst being managed pragmatically," FIFA said. "In addition, it was discussed that player travel -- especially long-haul intercontinental trips -- and the climatic conditions under which matches are played, should be considered when defining policies for the upcoming IMC," the statement added. FIFPRO, the global footballers' union, and the players' unions of England and France filed a lawsuit against FIFA with the European Union in June 2024 alleging that it had abused its dominant position, and violated European competition by expanding its fixture calendar with the expansion of the FIFA World Cup and introduction of the Club World the eve of the Club World Cup in the United States, FIFPRO called for a mandatory four-week break at the end of each season. With the FIFA Club World Cup being introduced without consultation with player groups, FIFA and the players' unions have agreed on the need for a "balance to be struck" between the club and international calendar. "Regarding competitions, FIFA and the player unions agreed on the importance of striking the right balance between national team football and club football, on the one hand, and between domestic, continental, and global club competitions on the other hand," the FIFA statement a 72-hour period strictly could mean big adjustments to some game schedules and TV deals. FIFA didn't indicate how it would work in teams playing in the Europa League late Thursday evening routinely play domestic league games on the following Sunday. With a strict 72-hour break, they might have to wait until Monday to play again. FIFA added that a rest day per week should also be allowed and that travel demands as well as climate conditions, will also factor into future competition planning.
Hindustan Times
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Soccer-Scorching heat sparks welfare fears at Club World Cup
MIAMI, - Soaring temperatures and oppressive humidity at the Club World Cup are fuelling concerns among players, coaches, and fans, with calls for additional cooling breaks and adjustments to match schedules. Midday kickoff temperatures in Pasadena at the weekend approached 32 degrees Celsius , forcing players in the Paris St Germain v Atletico Madrid match to dig in early as the midday sun blazed on the Rose Bowl's uncovered stands and pitch. Atletico's Marcos Llorente described the conditions as "terribly hot," saying "my toes were sore, my nails were hurting... it's incredible." Fans, too, voiced concern. Attendees at the Rose Bowl complained of long queues in harsh heat, limited shaded areas and water restrictions at entry, with some leaving at halftime due to dehydration and fear of fainting. Similar mid-afternoon kickoff conditions are planned for upcoming matches, stoking safety concerns for supporters and players. Monday's match in Pasadena was not an isolated incident. Miami and Los Angeles are experiencing temperatures north of 30 °C , many rising above the 32 °C heat-stress threshold, triggering warnings from player unions. Tuesday's game between Real Madrid and Al Hilal is scheduled at 1500 local time with temperatures expected to reach 32°C with humidity set to hover around 70%. The world players' union FIFPRO has suggested FIFA should revise scheduling, if needed. "FIFPRO has consistently advocated for comprehensive heat protection measures including mandatory cooling breaks, adjustments to kick-off times to avoid the most intense heat, and the postponement of matches when conditions pose a serious health risk to players," FIFPRO said. "With tournaments like the Club World Cup featuring dense match schedules and hot climates in locations such as Orlando and Miami, extreme heat is becoming an increasingly important health and safety issue in professional football. "FIFPRO will closely monitor the situation in the coming weeks with a view to prioritising player welfare over other considerations." The current rules permit one mandatory break per half. England coach Thomas Tuchel, observing the tournament as part of planning for next year's World Cup in North America, warned the tournament schedule would resemble "suffering," with players battling harsh midday conditions. The heat represents one of many controversies plaguing the expanded 32-team format. FIFPRO and the PFA have launched legal action in Brussels, alleging FIFA overstepped by introducing an unsustainable four-week calendar, risking player burnout. Critics say the added fixtures, combined with sweltering heat, could severely strain player welfare. FIFA, however, maintains that the extended summer fixtures align with the broader International Match Calendar and that existing protocols are sufficient.
