Soccer’s grueling schedule is raising concerns among players, managers, and officials, who are questioning if the sport has reached its limits.
Frustration with the relentless calendar and governing bodies’ decisions is growing. At the Player Workload event in London on May 30, organized by FIFPRO and the PFA, the need for a better balance was highlighted. PFA CEO Maheta Molango criticized the lack of a comprehensive view in scheduling, saying it often ignores the broader impact on players.
The expanded UEFA Champions League, set to feature additional matches, and changes to international tournaments like the European Championships and the World Cup are intensifying the issue. The revamped FIFA Club World Cup, now every four years and with 32 teams, further complicates the calendar.
While FIFA’s Arsène Wenger sees the changes as positive for global football, FIFPRO Europe has challenged FIFA’s decisions, questioning their legality and impact on player welfare.