International football is becoming increasingly competitive and intense. Amid this growing excitement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that the organization is “very aware” of ensuring players’ health and well-being are not overlooked. As criticism rises over expanded tournaments and a congested match calendar, Infantino reassured that FIFA prioritizes the interests of players in every decision it makes.
However, opposing voices have emerged. FIFPRO (the global players’ union), Spain’s La Liga, and the European Leagues group have jointly filed a complaint with the European Union’s antitrust regulators. They accuse FIFA of “calendar abuse,” claiming that the expansion of the Club World Cup and other tournaments will increase the number of matches per season, reducing players’ time for rest and recovery.
Infantino responded by saying, “There are many matches in world football, but this affects very few teams and very few players. Only a small number of players actually reach the finals of every competition.”
He further stated that helping players perform at their best remains FIFA’s primary objective.
