Footballers Consider Strike as Injuries Exceed Three Per Match

Footballers' international union FIFPro has warned of a potential strike due to the increase in matches, which has led to a concerning average of 3.6 injuries per game. In this context, FIFPro has launched a strong criticism of the expansion of FIFA's Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States between June and July 2025. The tournament, which will expand from seven to 32 teams, will include European giants such as Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Atlético. The proposal for the Club World Cup has generated widespread rejection among players, who denounce the negative impact on their physical and mental health due to an increasingly demanding schedule.

Alexander Bielefeld, FIFPro's director of policy and strategic relations, asserts that the possibility of a strike is not off the table. "We have seen strikes in other sports. Also in professional football; players have proactively spoken about it. It is a unique moment in terms of how they are connected on this issue. Personally, I would not rule anything out at this moment," he stated in an interview with the Associated Press.

The core of the dispute lies in the increasing number of matches and tournaments faced by footballers, which, according to FIFPro, are endangering their physical and mental health. A recent report from the University of Leuven in Belgium reveals that professional football records rates of 36 injuries per 1,000 hours of play and 3.7 injuries per 1,000 hours of training. These numbers, significantly higher than those of other occupations, are due to factors such as the increased intensity of the game, the accumulation of matches, inadequate recovery, and recurring injuries.

Rodrigo Hernández was one of the most prominent voices in highlighting this issue. In September, he warned that footballers were "at the limit" and did not rule out a strike if the situation did not change. A few days later, a severe knee injury sidelined him for the season, highlighting the risks of a saturated schedule.

FIFPro has filed a formal complaint with the European Commission and the Brussels Trade Court against FIFA, arguing that the expansion of the international calendar, including the 2025 Club World Cup, violates European and international legal frameworks on health and occupational safety.

The University of Leuven's report, which will be a key piece in these legal actions, argues that footballers are entitled to the same labour protections as any other worker. "Although the football sector requires an adapted approach, the specifics of the work or high incomes are no excuse to deny fundamental safety and health rights," stated Professor Frank Hendrickx, one of the study's authors.

The document points out that the current calendar design does not consider factors such as the accumulation of matches, international travel, sleep disruptions, and mental fatigue. FIFPro has denounced that these elements create a high-risk environment for players, who have not been consulted or involved in the planning of these decisions.

Despite the resistance from players and their unions, FIFA continues with the tournament's expansion. Its president, Gianni Infantino, has defended the new format as "the beginning of a new era for football." However, this stance has deepened the conflict, with players joining forces in an unprecedented show of solidarity.

FIFPro emphasised in a statement that the current situation is unsustainable. "The accumulation of extreme demands such as the number of matches, overnight travel, and extensive demands during tournaments are not considered when designing calendars. This is damaging both the physical and mental health of players," warned the union.

Moreover, it rejected the notion that footballers' high salaries justify the lack of labour guarantees. "Remuneration does not eliminate the legal responsibility of organisers to ensure the health and safety of players," stated Alexander Bielefeld.