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Soccer players

FIFA and Players' Unions Reach Consensus on Rest and Holidays for Professional Soccer Players

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Discussions between FIFA representatives and players' unions from around the world have resulted in a consensus on the need for a period of rest of 72 hours between matches and a minimum of 21 days of holidays at the end of each season. However, it remains unclear whether this consensus will lead to a binding agreement, as the sport's global players' union, FIFPRO, did not take part in the discussions. The meeting, held on the eve of the Club World Cup final, highlighted growing concerns about player welfare and safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • FIFA and several players' representative groups have reached a consensus on the need for a 72-hour rest period between matches and a minimum of 21 days of holidays at the end of each season.
  • The consensus was reached during a meeting in New York, where FIFA president Gianni Infantino and other officials met with representatives of players' unions from around the world.
  • The agreement emphasizes that the 72-hour rest period and 21-day holiday period should be managed individually by each club and the respective players, taking into account match calendars and collective agreements.
  • The German Bundesliga, which abolished Monday evening games in 2021 after protests by fans, may face significant changes to its schedule if the 72-hour rest period is implemented.
  • FIFA has also agreed to allow for a rest day per week and to consider travel demands and climate conditions in future competition planning.

Statistics:

  • 72 hours: the agreed-upon period of rest between matches.
  • 21 days: the minimum number of days of holidays that players should have at the end of each season.
  • 32: the number of teams participating in the Club World Cup.
  • 4 years: the proposed frequency of the Club World Cup, with the tournament to be held between the men's World Cup, European Championship, and Copa America.

Sources:

  • FIFA: it was unclear which groups attended the talks on the eve of Sunday's Club World Cup final between PSG and Chelsea.
  • The Associated Press: referred to the discussions as "progressive" and emphasized the priority given to players' health.
  • France's Union of Professional Soccer Players: launched a scathing attack on the Club World Cup, saying it is "urgent to stop this massacre" amid ongoing concerns about extreme player workloads.

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