Manchester City midfielder and Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne recently spoke out about the overwhelming influence of money in football governing bodies such as FIFA and UEFA. De Bruyne expressed worries about the detrimental effects of a congested calendar on the health and performance of players. The expansion of all three European club competitions to 36 teams this season has added to the already packed schedule.
FIFPRO’s European member unions have taken legal action against FIFA over the expanded men’s 32-team Club World Cup set to begin in June in the United States. According to them, some players have as little as 12% of the year to rest due to the lack of consideration for player welfare by competition organizers. International player associations have attempted to find solutions to the issue but have been met with more matches being added by UEFA and FIFA.
De Bruyne highlighted the concerns about the short recovery time between the Club World Cup final and the start of the Premier League. With only three weeks to rest and prepare for another 80 matches, players are at risk of burnout. He emphasized that while the current season might be manageable, the following year could pose serious problems.
According to a report by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES), there is no clear evidence of an increase in elite player workload since the 2000s. However, the report revealed that City played nearly 63% of their official matches in league-organised competitions during the 2023-2024 season. The study also showed that Premier League clubs had the shortest recovery time between games among the top European leagues.
De Bruyne pointed out that despite the players raising concerns, it seems that the decisions made by FIFA and UEFA are driven by financial interests rather than player welfare. The prioritization of profit over the well-being of the athletes is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed. With an increase in the number of matches being played each season, the risks of injuries and fatigue are heightened.
The issue of crammed schedules in football is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. The well-being of the players should be the top priority for all governing bodies involved in the sport. It is crucial to find a balance between commercial interests and the health of the athletes to ensure the longevity and sustainability of football at all levels.