FIFA Advised to Reschedule Expanded Club World Cup in the US Over a Year Ahead of Tournament
FIFA has been urged to reschedule its expanded Club World Cup, which is set to take place in the United States in just over a year. This call to action comes from the world players' union FIFPRO and the World Leagues Association (WLA), who are advocating for changes to the international match calendar, a system overseen by soccer's global governing body, FIFA.
In a letter acquired by The Associated Press, FIFA stands accused of pushing players "beyond their limits, with significant injury risks" by expanding its tournaments. FIFPRO and WLA are concerned about the impact on player welfare and "fundamental rights."
The expanded Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, is part of FIFA's strategy to challenge the dominance of the Champions League and English Premier League. However, this approach has raised questions about the increasing demands on players in a packed match calendar. The upcoming years will also feature a 48-team World Cup in 2026 and major tournaments like the European Championship and Copa America during what is typically the offseason.
The new version of the Club World Cup is scheduled for June 15 to July 13, 2025, which would result in three consecutive years of major competitions during the summer break. FIFA has previously stated that the dates were planned to align with the international match calendar, ensuring players have enough rest before domestic leagues resume.
However, FIFPRO and WLA are calling for the calendar to be "immediately amended." They seek not only a rescheduling of the Club World Cup but also a re-examination of the player release periods from 2024 to 2030 and a review of the "Intercontinental Cup," a revamped version of the previous Club World Cup.
The letter indicates that legal action could be an option if FIFA does not address these issues. It states, "Leagues and players cannot simply be expected to ‘adapt’ to FIFA’s decisions, which are driven by FIFA’s business strategy. We have reached the point where this situation must immediately be addressed both from a procedural and substantive perspective."
FIFPRO has expressed growing concern over the physical and mental health of players as the demands on them increase. Last season, Bruno Fernandes, a Manchester United and Portugal midfielder, made 70 appearances for club and country, including 20 consecutive games due to the World Cup in Qatar occurring mid-season. Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri played in 10 different competitions.
These kinds of extreme workloads have sparked fears of burnout, injuries, and shortened careers. A recent report from FIFPRO detailed the effects of "extreme calendar congestion," with 43% of World Cup players surveyed indicating they experienced "extreme or increased mental fatigue."
This concern is unlikely to be alleviated by UEFA's plan to change the Champions League format starting next season, adding two more games to the schedule. Moreover, the European Championship has been expanded in recent years, further contributing to the crowded match calendar.
In light of these developments, FIFPRO and WLA are urging FIFA to reconsider its approach to player welfare and scheduling. The future of soccer’s international competitions may depend on how these concerns are addressed.
