PARIS — The association representing professional soccer players in France issued a vehement critique of the Club World Cup on Sunday, urging for an immediate halt to what they describe as a burden increasing to the point of a “massacre” due to players facing excessive workloads. The UNFP, which stands for the National Union of Professional Footballers in France, criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino for disregarding the strain packed calendars place on athletes across the globe.
“The absurdity of the situation is apparent to everyone, except to Gianni Infantino and his close circle. From his disconnected vantage point, which he showcases worldwide, the FIFA president remains indifferent to the grim realities the international calendar presents for top players in the game,” the UNFP mentioned in a Sunday morning statement. “Infantino’s Club World Cup pushes the limits of reason, emphasizing the urgency to cease this overly demanding structure. He neglects the physical and mental well-being of players for superficial financial gains.”
The statement criticized the timing of the Club World Cup, staged at the conclusion of an already taxing season, for bypassing “collective bargaining agreements which generally assure players an undiminished period of three weeks for rest between seasons.”
Although FIFA was asked to comment, they remained silent on the UNFP’s concerns. As the month-long Club World Cup, lasting until July 13, approached its start, soccer authorities faced renewed pressure to protect players amidst rising concerns over injuries and burnout.
The revamped competition, featuring 32 world-class teams, has faced resistance since FIFA decided to introduce it into the already jam-packed schedule. Planned to occur every four years, the tournament will slot between significant events such as the men’s World Cup, European Championship, and Copa America.
Despite legal objections in Europe, threats of strikes, and recurring worries about players’ mental and physical health due to excessive gaming obligations, the event proceeded. “The UNFP, together with FIFPRO and FIFPRO Europe, has consistently voiced opposition to the massive rise in games,” the UNFP noted further. “Including the negative impacts on domestic football due to a calendar exclusively crafted by FIFA.”
Last September, following his expression of players edging toward striking over intense workloads, Manchester City midfielder Rodri sustained a severe knee injury.
No rest for PSG
The reigning Champions League victor, Paris Saint-Germain, ranks among the prominent clubs partaking in the Club World Cup. Following their Champions League triumph on May 31, essential PSG players like Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué participated with France before traveling to the United States for the Club World Cup.
French clubs have started preparing for the upcoming Ligue 1 season, kicking off mid-August, while others follow suit next week. PSG couldn’t afford a delay in starting their Ligue 1 campaign. “There’s no justification for why the Parisians shouldn’t receive the three weeks of full rest they are afforded,” noted the UNFP, cautioning that excess matches could adversely affect the national team in early September.
“The setback in preseason training could also concern (France coach) Didier Deschamps, who faces two qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup,” the UNFP ended by querying, “What do you say, Mr. Infantino?”
FIFA aims for this event to mirror the prominence of the World Cup in international soccer, aspiring for it to stand as one of the grandest and wealthiest competitions within sports.
Historically, the previous annual version of the Club World Cup has seen European teams predominantly claim triumph, with the exception of the Brazilian club Corinthians interrupting Europe’s long winning streak in the preceding 17 years.