Football’s nonstop push for more games is driving pro players toward burnout, warned the global players' group International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO). The report came out before the FIFA Club World Cup began, as it shows how the packed schedule puts player health, financials, and the future of the sport at risk.

Tim Bridge, a top sports business partner at Deloitte, said that there's a never-ending hunger for growth and fame. 'Everybody wants to be the biggest and the best. But there’s only so much “best�?to go around', he added. Bridge warned that players can get caught in a bad cycle without caution.

FIFPRO says only 13% of players in games like Euro 2024 or Copa América had the suggested 28-day break before the season. In response, they are asking for 12 proposed safeguards to protect players. Among the highlights are the following:

• A 4-week break after the season
• Rest between matches
• Four-week reconditioning period
• A limit on the number of games for players under 18

These ideas are backed by a study with 70 health and training experts. Over 75% of them agreed with each rule. FIFPRO and player groups in England and France have already gone to court against FIFA in the EU. With the ongoing tournament, FIFPRO is urging action before football loses its biggest stars.

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The sports world has a new clash over the fate of the Club World Cup. Arsène Wenger, now working with FIFA, backs the plan for a big tourney every four years, saying players�?health will stay safe. However, many others, like the PFA and FIFPRO, push back, saying more games can put players at risk.

This controversy concerns what’s best for players, clubs, and fans, as each side fights for control and change. This clash has led to strong views from all, and many worries about health, game time, and what’s next.

FIFA’s new plan and players' health concerns

FIFA  has a new plan to hold a 32-team Club World Cup in June-July 2025. However, this plan doesn’t include clear rules to help players handle the busy schedule. After a long 11-month season, players may face less rest time. This could lead to more injuries, stress, and health issues, which might affect their play and careers.

This shows how some think FIFA is more focused on games and money. However, players want the sport to be safe and fair. They hope FIFA and other groups will sit down and find a way to make the schedule easier on players. Doing so can help the game stay strong and healthy for all.

Arsene Wenger speaks up for FIFA’s new plan

Arsène Wenger, now FIFA's chief of global football development, backs the new Club World Cup. He says it’ll happen once every four years and give players time to rest. Wenger thinks players will stay strong with good care, even with more games.

He points out that tech and health care help players like Messi and Ronaldo, who are over 35, keep up. Wenger sees the change as a way for clubs to grow worldwide, not just in Europe. 

He also says worries about injuries and tiredness are outdated, thanks to new sports science. Better injury tools and recovery methods help players stay fit longer. Wenger believes that with smart rest and new tech, players will be safe, and the sport will reach more fans around the world.

World leagues forum pushes back

The World Leagues Forum, led by the Premier League boss Richard Masters, pushed back on FIFA’s new plan. They sent a letter to FIFA, saying they were not asked about the plan before it was made.

The Forum fears there will be too many games, which can hurt local leagues and bother fans. Some big clubs like the idea, but not all agree. Pep Guardiola also said players need more time to heal between seasons.

FIFA's new plan, set to start in 2025, wants a big tournament with 32 teams every four years. Wenger, who works for FIFA, defends the change. He points out that players are now better cared for since there are new sports tech and medicine. Wenger says this new format can help clubs grow around the world and give more players a chance to compete at the top level.

PFA says players are being used

The PFA boss, Maheta Molango, says players are not being treated right. He warns that big groups want more games just for power and cash. More games can mean stress, harm, and poor play. Some players may skip games or even stop early.

The PFA wants all sides to talk and build a smart plan. They aim to keep players safe and strong. Their call is clear: put players first.

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