Player Unions Achieve Key Agreements with FIFA on Rest and Wellbeing
Football players’ unions have achieved a significant victory in their fight to guarantee mandatory rest periods. Following a meeting in New York between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and senior representatives of global players’ unions, an agreement was reached on the need to establish standardized breaks for footballers.
The decision comes amid growing concerns about player burnout, especially following FIFA’s decision to stage the 32-team Club World Cup this summer during the European off-season.
After Saturday’s conversations, FIFA and players’ unions have reached a “consensus” on a mandatory minimum of 72 hours between matches and a three-week rest period at the end of the season, as announced by the world football governing body.
A proposal will also be considered for players’ unions to participate in FIFA Council meetings when matters related to players are addressed.
The meeting addressed key issues related to the health of the players (both men and women), a top priority given that it is part of the occupational risk prevention framework established by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
FIFA
FIFA and player unions reviewed upcoming joint projects involving the world football governing body and player representative organizations, with a specific focus on player rest and recovery, as well as competitions within the context of the International Match Calendar (IMC).
It was agreed that there must be at least 72 hours of rest between matches and that players must have a rest/vacation period of at least 21 days at the end of each season.This period must be managed individually by each club and the respective players, also depending on their match schedules and taking into account the applicable collective agreements.
Additionally, a day of rest per week should also be planned, albeit pragmatically.
Additionally, it was discussed that the players’ travels, especially long-distance intercontinental trips, and the climatic conditions in which the matches are played, should be considered when defining the policies for the next CIM.
In June 2024, FIFPRO, the global footballers’ union, and the players’ unions of England and France filed a complaint against FIFA before the European Union, alleging that it had abused its dominant position and violated European competition by expanding its match calendar with the expansion of the FIFA World Cup and the introduction of the Club World Cup.
On the eve of the Club World Cup in the United States, FIFPRO requested a mandatory four-week break at the end of each season.
With the introduction of the FIFA Club World Cup without consulting player groups, FIFA and player unions have agreed on the need to “strike a balance” between the club calendar and the international calendar.
Regarding competitions, FIFA and players’ unions agreed on the importance of achieving the right balance between national team football and club football, on the one hand, and between national, continental, and global club competitions, on the other.
It is important to create opportunities for players from all over the world to compete in top-level competitions, as this drives the development of global football.
In addition, it was also identified as a priority to offer more playing opportunities to players who are not at the highest international level.
