Why Fifa Warned Players Could Go on Strike – The Inside Story!

Fifa Warned Players Could Go on Strike

By Nick Mashiter, BBC Sport Football News Reporter  

Football's world governing body, Fifa, has been warned that players might strike if overworking continues. Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) chief executive, Maheta Molango, believes players are at breaking point.

The PFA is urging changes to the crowded football calendar, especially with the expanded 32-team Club World Cup proposed for next summer.

"I visited a dressing room less than 10 days ago, directly affected, and said: 'I’m here to support, but it’s up to you. How far do you want to go?'" Molango said at the PFA and Fifpro’s end-of-season review of player workload and recovery.

"Some players said: 'I’ve had enough, we might as well strike.' Others said: 'What’s the point? I’m rich but don’t have time to enjoy it.' 

"It’s not just the union saying this; even Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have said it. We cannot ignore any action now."

The PFA has considered legal action due to the increasing number of games. In May, Fifpro and the World Leagues Association (WLA) - including the Premier League - sent a letter to Fifa threatening legal action if it continues with the 32-team Club World Cup plan.

In a letter to Fifa president Gianni Infantino and general secretary Mattias Grafstrom, Fifpro and the WLA stated that if Fifa extends its competitions, it should adjust others. The letter says "forcing national leagues and players to adapt is abusive" and "endangers national leagues and player health."

 BBC Sport understands Fifa believes its schedule considers player welfare.

Molango added: "Some changes in England’s domestic calendar are due to what Fifa and Uefa have done. This confirms that action is needed and that it’s affecting more than just top players.

"We always try diplomatic solutions first. We sent a letter, received a reply, but time is against us. Sometimes, grown-ups need a third party, like an arbitrator or a tribunal, to decide."

A study on young players highlighted the physical stress they face. It showed Real Madrid and England’s Jude Bellingham played 18,486 minutes before turning 21, compared to 3,929 for David Beckham and 6,987 for Frank Lampard at the same age.

Fifpro's Europe president, David Terrier, also warned that players are physically and mentally exhausted. A survey revealed over 50% of players had played while injured.

"There is an emergency; we are in danger," Terrier said. "Players have gone beyond their limits, and the international schedule is packed."

Infantino addressed the football calendar issue at a Fifa congress earlier this month.

"Fifa organizes around 1% of top club games. 98-99% of matches are organized by different leagues, associations, and confederations," he said.

"Fifa funds football globally. The money we generate doesn't just go to a few clubs in one country; it goes to 211 countries worldwide. Our mission is to organize events and competitions and develop football worldwide because 70% of Fifa's Member Associations wouldn't have football without Fifa's resources."