The possibility of a work stoppage by men’s international professional soccer players due to an overwhelming number of games appears to be increasingly likely. Players are voicing their concerns about their stuffed schedules, which include domestic leagues, international tournaments, and various club competitions. While not wholly responsible, the expanded FIFA Club World Cup tournament to be played in 2025 highlights the issue.
Increasing workload and player burnout
Players like Manchester City’s Rodri and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois have openly discussed the strain of playing too many games. Rodri pointed out that top players are nearing a breaking point, with some playing up to 85 games in a season. He and others argue that this workload is unsustainable and leads to physical and mental exhaustion, increasing the risk of injuries and reducing the quality of play with more non-competitive matches. The global players’ union, FIFPRO, has highlighted that nearly 90% of players believe consecutive matches should be limited to prevent burnout2.
FIFA’s Club World Cup and other tournaments
The expanded FIFA Club World Cup is a significant concern, featuring 32 teams and regulations that stop clubs from leaving their best players at home. Scheduled for 2025 in the U.S. after being canceled in 2021 due to COVID, this tournament returns to an already congested calendar. Players and leagues argue that the additional games exacerbate the problem of fixture congestion (too many matches at a tournament). The return of FIFA’s club tournament, alongside the expanded UEFA Champions League expanding to 32 teams and the upcoming 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2026, means players have little to no off-season to recover.
Legal and organizational pushback
The backlash against the expanded Club World Cup has been significant. FIFPRO and top European leagues have filed a legal complaint against FIFA, accusing it of unilaterally increasing the number of games without proper consultation. This legal action underscores the growing frustration among players and leagues about the lack of consideration for player welfare.
Potential for a strike
The idea of a strike is not far-fetched. Players have expressed that if the current trend continues, they might have no other option but to refuse to play. This sentiment is echoed by many top players who feel their concerns are not adequately addressed. While FIFA and club owners hold most of the power, a potential strike is a powerful statement players can make about needing a more balanced and sustainable approach to scheduling.
The expanded FIFA Club World Cup is a significant factor in the growing discontent among players but is part of a broader issue of fixture congestion. The increasing number of games across various competitions is pushing players to their limits. Without meaningful changes to the scheduling and a greater emphasis on player welfare, the likelihood of a strike by professional soccer players remains high. This situation calls for urgent dialogue and action from governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA to ensure the long-term health and performance of the players, who are the heart of the sport.