Players Threaten Strike Over Overloaded Calendar, Says PFA Chief
Players have warned world soccer’s governing body, FIFA, that they are prepared to go on strike due to concerns over an overloaded playing calendar, according to Maheta Molango, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).
Molango, who has been advocating for change since February, believes players have reached a breaking point. He argues that the packed schedule endangers players’ health and diminishes the quality of the sport.
“I can tell you a situation not 10 days ago where I went into a dressing room that was directly affected and said: ‘I’m happy to be here and bark a bit, but ultimately it’s up to you. How far do you want to go?’” Molango told the BBC. “Some of them said: ‘I’m not having it, we might as well go on strike.’ Some said: ‘What’s the point? Yes, I’m a millionaire, but I don’t even have time to spend the money.’”
In recent years, demands on players have increased as tournaments have expanded and new competitions have emerged. Both players and managers have criticized the calendar, stating that it demands too many matches.
“It was not even the union that said it, it was Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola. We have reached a point where we cannot rule out any action,” Molango said.
The global players’ union FIFPRO, along with the PFA and the World Leagues Association (WLA), have threatened to take legal action if FIFA continues to push its current agenda. They expressed their concerns over the expansion of the new 32-team Club World Cup in a letter addressed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom.
FIFA has denied claims that it has taken unilateral decisions to favor its competitions in the international calendar and stated that it would not consider rescheduling the tournament.
“Some of the changes in England with the domestic calendar have been forced by what FIFA and UEFA have done. What has happened is further confirmation that something needs to be done,” Molango said. “We will always try to exhaust all diplomatic avenues. We have sent a letter, we have received a reply, but unfortunately time is against us. Sometimes between grown-up people, despite trying very hard to find solutions, you need a third party to decide, maybe an arbitrator or a tribunal.”
As the situation escalates, it remains to be seen how FIFA will respond to the increasing pressure from players and unions who are determined to protect the welfare of the athletes and the integrity of the sport.
