FIFPRO Seeks to Protect Footballers with New Measures
FIFPRO, the global footballers’ union, has requested the implementation of 12 protection measures for the well-being of players. This initiative arises after a scientific study conducted with the participation of 70 experts in medicine and performance, prior to the start of the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States. According to FIFPRO, the Delphi Study, which uses a systematic approach to analyze independent opinions, represents the broadest expert consensus to date on safeguards against work overload in professional football. To establish each recommendation, an agreement of more than 75% among the participants was required. Among the key recommendations of the study, the need for a complete one-month break at the end of the season, mandatory mid-season breaks, a minimum readaptation period of four weeks after the summer holidays, and specific workload limits for academy players under 18 years of age are highlighted. The study is published just before the Club World Cup, which will extend until the final in New Jersey on July 13. This means that many renowned players will face shorter rest periods and less preparation time for the 2025-26 season, which will culminate with the 48-team FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In June 2024, FIFPRO and the players’ unions of England and France filed a lawsuit against FIFA, the governing body of football, before the European Union. The lawsuit alleges that FIFA has 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. The lawsuit is still ongoing. However, with the most important players facing a greater workload for the club and the country, FIFPRO seeks to establish “minimum standards” to protect its members.“This study presents safety standards based on the considered and independent opinions of medical and performance experts working in professional football who understand the mental and physical pressure to which players are subjected,” said Prof. Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge, FIFPRO Medical Director.
Prof. Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge, FIFPRO Medical Director
“However, the results of this study demonstrate that there are certain minimum standards, such as adequate rest between matches and appropriate off-season breaks, which are common sense, aligned with scientific evidence, and, above all, are required by global occupational health and safety standards.” 73% of the experts who participated in the Delphi Study are employed by football clubs, while 27% work for national teams. The majority of the participants have worked in professional men’s football for more than a decade, and some have more than 20 years of experience.“Decoding the human body, performance and sports-related injuries will be a lifelong scientific exercise for all of us,” said Dr. Darren Burgess, Chairman of the FIFPRO High Performance Advisory Network.
Dr. Darren Burgess, Chairman of the FIFPRO High Performance Advisory Network
