Top footballers are increasingly feeling the strain of excessive workloads and lack of rest, yet many are hesitant to speak out due to fears of potential backlash from their clubs and governing bodies. According to Alex Phillips, the general secretary of Fifpro, which represents 66,000 men's and women's players worldwide, players are wary of the consequences of voicing their concerns.

The Overworked Athlete

Players have raised significant concerns with Fifpro about their lack of rest, primarily caused by the increasing number of games they are required to play. This issue has been exacerbated by the expanded Club World Cup this season. For instance, Chelsea's final game of the season was their victory in the Club World Cup on July 13, a mere 35 days before the start of their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace.

The Power Imbalance

"Players are wary of speaking up because they don't have the power," said Phillips. "Individually, they might be among the top 1% in terms of wealth, but 99% of players don't have power apart from via their union or association." Phillips highlighted the contradictory situation where players are often forced to publicly endorse events like the Club World Cup, despite privately expressing concerns about their workload.

Fifa's Autocratic Approach

Fifpro has also criticized Fifa for its "autocratic" approach to running the sport under president Gianni Infantino. The organization accuses Fifa of "turning a blind eye" to the basic needs of players. Following a meeting of 58 player unions in Amsterdam, Fifpro stated, "Fifa continues to systematically ignore and silence the real issues players face in different parts of the world."

A Troubling Disconnect

One glaring example of this disconnect was the recent Club World Cup, celebrated by Infantino despite being held under conditions that were extreme and inappropriate for any human being. This demonstrated a troubling insensitivity to human rights, even when it concerns elite athletes.

Exclusion and Legal Battles

Fifpro, which filed a legal complaint against Fifa with the European Commission last year, was notably not invited to a recent Fifa meeting in New York. Phillips interpreted this as an effort to create division within Fifpro. "Pretty much everyone interpreted this meeting and photo [of the attendees] as an attack on Fifpro," he said.

Conclusion

The ongoing struggle of footballers to voice their concerns highlights a significant power imbalance in the sport. As the number of games continues to rise, the need for player welfare to be prioritized becomes ever more critical. Fifpro remains a crucial advocate for players' rights, but the road to meaningful change is fraught with challenges.