A potential strike involving prominent soccer players cannot be dismissed, according to a representative from the global players’ union, FIFPRO, in statements made on Wednesday. The expansion of the Club World Cup, which is set to take place in the United States from June to July next year, is at the center of the controversy. This tournament has enlarged its participant pool from seven to 32 teams, leading to significant discontent among players.
The new structure of the tournament has sparked considerable criticism, especially regarding the toll it may take on players both physically and mentally amidst a packed schedule. Alexander Bielefeld, the director of policy and strategic relations for FIFPRO, noted that there is a heightened awareness among athletes about the challenges posed by such a congested calendar. He remarked, “We have witnessed player strikes in various sports, including football, and the athletes have been proactive in discussing this matter. This is a unique moment where players are particularly united on this issue. Thus, I wouldn’t exclude any options at this stage.”
In a previous comment, Manchester City’s midfielder Rodri mentioned in September that players were close to initiating strike action due to the overwhelming number of matches. His statement came shortly before he suffered a serious knee injury that could sideline him for the entire season.
On the same day, a study conducted by KU Leuven, a Belgian university, was released. This report, which was commissioned by FIFPRO, assessed occupational health and safety standards concerning the world of soccer. FIFPRO criticized the governing bodies for their lack of proactive stance on establishing comprehensive health and safety regulations that cater to players in a high-risk environment.
While top European clubs have generally embraced the new format of the Club World Cup, players’ unions and domestic leagues have filed an official complaint with the European Commission in Brussels regarding the manner in which the competition has been incorporated into the global football calendar. The findings from the recent report are expected to support their case.
In spite of the backlash, FIFA is moving forward with the Club World Cup, which its president, Gianni Infantino, described last week as the “beginning of a new era for football.”