Could players really strike over football's packed schedule?

Copy Link

Email

Print

Reactions

Like

11

Player frustration over playing too many games and not getting enough rest is building across football, but just how close is the sport to a player strike?

The issue of burnout has always been a significant topic in the game, but the expansion of UEFA's club competitions and FIFA's brand-new Club World Cup has put the matter at the top of the agenda.

In August, ESPN reported that this season will be the longest club campaign ever because the Club World Cup is scheduled to take place over a four-week period in the United States in June and July. Leading players had already spoken out, with Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham raising concerns…