FIFPro warns players need protection against 'dangerous levels' of mental fatigue

June 9 - Football must do more to protect players from 'dangerous levels' of match crowding, exemplified by the fact that the Qatar World Cup hit midway through the season, according to the international union players.

In its latest report, FIFPro reports that nearly half of players participating in last year's tournament experienced extreme or increased mental fatigue.

They have had little time to prepare or recover, FIFPro says, adding that the new Champions League and Club World Cup formats could pose an additional threat to players' welfare . Changes to both competitions from the 2024-25 season could lead to an 11% increase in the number of matches.

FIFpro calls for mandatory season breaks to protect the mental and physical health of players.

In its Player Workload Monitoring (PWM) report for the season, it specifically focused on the impact of the World Cup.

“The extreme levels of schedule congestion evident during the season posed a pressing danger to the physical and mental health of players,” FIFPro said. "The increasing demands placed on the game's best young players must also be considered as concerns grow over the health and longevity of their fledgling careers."

FIFPro are concerned about the future, highlighting how the 2024-25 season, with the expansion of the Champions League and Club World Cup, could see an 89-game season for players in the main clubs.

"Evidence shows that the cannibalization of the match schedule puts more mental and physical stress on today's elite players than on the previous generation," said FIFPro General Secretary Jonas Baer -Hoffmann.

"Even if some have to reduce their commitments or leave the game early, there is no sign of a solution to protect them.

"The 2024/2025 match schedule will put more pressure on their health and careers. Together, we all have a duty of care to these players and the industry must accelerate action that takes care of their health and well-being."

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