The issue of an overcrowded calendar affecting the health and performance of professional soccer players has been a topic of discussion lately. Manchester City midfielder and Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne expressed his concerns about the increasing number of fixtures in both club and international competitions. De Bruyne highlighted the tight schedule that players have to deal with, especially with the expansion of European club competitions to 36 teams this season. He mentioned the limited time for rest and preparation between matches, raising questions about the impact on players’ well-being.
De Bruyne also pointed out the upcoming Club World Cup as a major concern for players. With only three weeks between the final of the tournament and the start of the Premier League, players will have little time to recover and get ready for the next season. The added pressure of playing in multiple competitions without sufficient rest is a worrisome issue for many footballers. The fact that FIFPRO’s European member unions are taking legal action against FIFA over the expansion of the men’s Club World Cup reflects the seriousness of the situation.
The debate between prioritizing player welfare and increasing the number of matches for financial gain has been ongoing. FIFPRO’s complaint with EU antitrust regulators regarding FIFA’s international match calendar underscores the concerns raised by players about the lack of rest periods. The report released by FIFPRO highlighted that some players have as little as 12% of the year to rest, which is far from ideal for maintaining peak performance levels. Despite efforts by player associations to find solutions, the continuous addition of matches by UEFA and FIFA without addressing player concerns is a point of contention.
A report by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) revealed interesting insights into the workload of elite players. The study found no significant increase in player workload since the 2000s, with reigning Club World Cup champions Manchester City playing nearly two-thirds of their matches in league-organised competitions during the 2023-2024 season. However, the report also highlighted the high number of domestic back-to-back matches in England, with Premier League clubs having the shortest recovery time between games. These findings suggest that while player workload may not have increased substantially, the scheduling of matches remains a critical issue.
The impact of a cramped calendar on soccer players is a complex issue that requires careful consideration from all stakeholders involved. Balancing the demands of various competitions with the well-being of players is essential to ensure the sustainability of the sport in the long run. Addressing the concerns raised by players and implementing strategies to improve scheduling and rest periods should be prioritized to safeguard the health and performance of professional footballers.