Report by union reveals some players receive less than one day off per week

FIFPRO has submitted a complaint to EU antitrust regulators regarding FIFA's international match calendar, citing concerns over the insufficient rest periods provided to players. The organization argues that this lack of rest violates international health and safety standards and is indicative of competition organizers failing to prioritize player welfare.

A report for the 2023-24 season said 54% of 1,500 players monitored faced high workload demands, with many exceeding medical recommendations.

Nearly a third (31%) were in matchday squads for more than 55 games, and 17% played in over 55 matches. About 30% featured in at least six straight weeks of two or more games per week.

All three European club competitions have been expanded to 36 teams this season and FIFPRO's European member unions have started legal action against FIFA over the expanded men's 32-team Club World Cup, starting next June in the United States.

International fixtures, with club or country, account for 30% of the matches for players with excessive workloads. Players spent up to 18% of their annual working time in national team camps or media and partnership activities last season.

“The gap between those who plan and schedule complex international competitions and those who play and experience them has never been bigger,” Alexander Bielefeld, Director of FIFPRO's global policy & strategic relations, said in a statement.

The report also predicted players like Federico Valverde, Nicolo Barella and Phil Foden will play up to 80 matches in future seasons due to expanding competitions.