Premier League Stars Threaten Legal Action Over Excessive Number of Matches
Premier League players are considering legal action due to the overwhelming number of matches they are being forced to play. Starting from next season, top players could face an unprecedented 86 games due to the expansion of the Champions League and FIFA’s new 32-team summer club competition.
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) is concerned about the well-being of its members, especially since FIFA has not yet granted their request for a mandatory 28-day off-season break. Maheta Molango, the chief executive of the players’ union, expressed his frustration, stating that players may resort to legal action because they feel unprotected. He described the situation as a defeat for football and a sad state of affairs.
Molango emphasized the importance of having the best players performing at their peak level but argued that it is physically and humanly impossible with the current calendar. The fears are further amplified by FIFA’s plans for a 32-team Club World Cup in 2025, which would coincide with the holiday period for most Premier League stars. Additionally, the following season will culminate in the first-ever World Cup featuring 48 nations.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has written a letter to FIFA to express his concerns about the club version of the Club World Cup. When asked if football’s governing bodies risk destroying the essence of the game, Molango affirmed that they are, but players are now prepared to take a strong stance against it. He emphasized that the human body has its limits and it is impossible to expect players to endure such a demanding schedule.
In conclusion, Premier League stars are contemplating legal action to address the excessive number of matches they are being compelled to play. The PFA is concerned about the well-being of its members and FIFA’s failure to provide a sufficient off-season break. The current calendar is deemed physically and humanly impossible, and fears are heightened by FIFA’s plans for the Club World Cup and the expanded World Cup. Premier League executives have also expressed their concerns to FIFA.