Footballers Consider Strike Over Grueling Fixture Schedule
In a bold statement, Spanish midfielder Rodri, currently playing for Manchester City, has hinted at the possibility of a strike among football players due to the increasingly demanding fixture schedule for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. The expansion of major competitions such as the Champions League, Club World Cup, and World Cup has left many players feeling overwhelmed and concerned about their physical well-being.
Rodri expressed his frustration, stating, "If things continue like this, we will have no other choice." He emphasized that players can only maintain their peak performance through a limited number of matches, ideally between 40 and 50 per season. Beyond that threshold, he argues, performance levels drop significantly, making it imperative for the governing bodies to reconsider the current schedule to ensure the quality of football remains high.
Growing Call for Action Against Overloaded Schedules
Echoing Rodri's sentiments, French player Jules Koundé of Barcelona warned that a strike may be the only recourse left for players who feel their concerns are being ignored. Koundé highlighted the increasing risk of injuries due to insufficient rest between matches, urging that the players' voices must be heard after years of raising concerns without any significant changes.
Prominent figures in football, including Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid players Thibaut Courtois and Dani Carvajal, have also voiced their discontent with the current schedule, advocating for a more player-centric approach. Carvajal noted, "A strike is possible; the players are not being taken into consideration, we have to raise our voices."
The 2024-2025 season is set to be particularly challenging, with many players having already faced grueling schedules in the previous season, including local league matches, cup competitions, and international tournaments. The expansion of the 2026 World Cup to include 48 teams only adds to the pressure, further complicating the already congested football calendar.
- The debate over the football calendar is not unanimous, as some players, like Nico Gonzalez from Juventus, have expressed support for the new schedule. Gonzalez argued that younger players thrive on playing more matches, emphasizing the importance of proper rest and recovery. This divergence in opinions highlights the complex nature of the issue, where the interests of different players and teams may not always align.
