The international footballers union (FIFPro) called for measures to protect players in the coming seasons, given the overload of games after the pandemic, such as rest periods of between 5 and 6 weeks at the end of each campaign and breaks of between 10 and 14 days in some months.
“In discussions of match calendar reforms to date, the responsibility to balance the needs of competition organizers with those of players has been disregarded. It is vital that stakeholders protect players and allow to perform to the maximum. This cannot wait until the next calendar is set for after 2024, “it said in a statement.
FIFPro warned of the “first peak of injuries” that have occurred since the resumption of competitions, due to insufficient preparation time and the load of matches in players who already suffered from a lack of recovery time both physically and mentally between matches and seasons.
“No one should have to risk their health and safety to meet business goals.” said the union, which required measures such as an off-season break of five to six weeks, based on medical recommendations.
He also insisted that “the contractually agreed minimum vacation periods be respected for the next breaks”, something that in most countries lasts a minimum of three weeks and to which “a period of retraining should follow to avoid injuries”.
A mandatory mid-season break of between 10 and 14 days is another of FIFPro's requests, before a calendar with excess league and national team commitments in the next 2 or 3 years and before studies showing an increase in injuries when there is less than six days off between games.
The union also needs to have clear rules to avoid undue pressure or disciplinary measures that put health at risk. of the players before the travel protocols associated with the pandemic.
FIFPRO, in turn, was of the opinion that the amendments to the rules, such as the increase in the number of substitutions, should be expanded, among the initiatives to protect the health of soccer players and avoid a decrease in the quality of competitions.