La Liga president Javier Tebas has expressed concerns about the packed global football calendar, warning that players are nearing a "breaking point" due to the increasing number of matches and tournaments. Tebas made these comments at a performance and health summit in London, co-hosted by global players' union FIFPRO. He emphasized the need for governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA to take firm action to address the issue. The expanded Club World Cup and the inaugural 48-team World Cup have added to the already heavy workload of footballers.
Tebas highlighted the risks of injuries and the need for a more balanced calendar. He stated that some players can still cope, but ultimately, there is a breaking point that is unstoppable. If the situation is not addressed, Tebas warned that the overall system will suffer. The introduction of more national teams in the World Cup and more clubs in the Club World Cup will only exacerbate the problem. Tebas called for a change in the model of consultation between governing bodies and stakeholders, stating that they receive input, listen, and then do as they please.
Maheta Molango, CEO of the Professional Footballers' Association, echoed Tebas' concerns, citing recent injury withdrawals during the international window. Five players, including Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, and Declan Rice, pulled out of the England squad for Nations League fixtures in September and October. Molango described this as a trigger for alarm bells, highlighting the case of Chelsea forward Palmer, who has played in multiple international tournaments in recent years. He emphasized that the issue is not limited to England, citing examples of injured players like Kai Havertz, Brian Brobbey, and Kylian Mbappe.
Molango also mentioned that players' unions and leagues have filed a complaint to the European Commission over FIFA's imposition of an international match calendar in 2024. He stated that the complaint was not personal but aimed at ensuring that FIFA, as the governing body, applies standards across the board, including summer breaks, league levels, federation levels, and confederation levels. Molango, a former professional player, emphasized the need for FIFA to take responsibility and make changes to the calendar.
The issue of football overload has significant implications for the sport, with Tebas warning that if the international football network does not take part, the discussions will be meaningless. He called for a change in the approach, stating that consultation alone is not enough. The packed calendar has led to concerns about player injuries, and the need for a more balanced schedule has become increasingly pressing.
The 2026 World Cup, set to feature 48 teams, and the expanded Club World Cup have contributed to the growing concern about football overload. Tebas and Molango's comments highlight the need for a more sustainable calendar that prioritizes player welfare. The issue has sparked a debate about the future of the sport, with many calling for changes to the current system.
The packed global football calendar has become a pressing issue, with players, unions, and leagues calling for changes. La Liga president Javier Tebas and Professional Footballers' Association CEO Maheta Molango have emphasized the need for governing bodies to take action to address the issue. With the 2026 World Cup and other major tournaments on the horizon, the need for a more balanced calendar has become increasingly urgent.
Key points
- La Liga president Javier Tebas warns of player 'breaking point' due to football overload.
- Players' unions and leagues file complaint to European Commission over FIFA's international match calendar.
- 2026 World Cup and expanded Club World Cup contribute to growing concern about football overload.
