emirates7 - FIFA has announced that it has reached an agreement with players' representatives on the importance of player rest, confirming that there should be a minimum of 72 hours between matches and at least 21 days of vacation at the end of each season.
These agreements were made during talks held just before the Club World Cup final between PSG and Chelsea. The tournament, scheduled during the European offseason, has drawn criticism from unions concerned about player health, prompting increased pressure for mandatory rest periods and more robust safety measures during games.
Ahead of the month-long Club World Cup, concerns over player fatigue and injuries reignited calls for stronger protection measures. In response, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other senior officials met with representatives from global players' unions in New York. FIFA described the meeting as “progressive” and reaffirmed that player welfare remains a “top priority.”
In a statement, FIFA emphasized the shared understanding that players need a minimum of 72 hours between matches, and at least a 21-day break following each season. It noted that how this rest is implemented should be tailored to each club’s schedule, the players’ individual circumstances, and existing collective agreements.
Strictly enforcing the 72-hour rule could significantly affect current match schedules and broadcast arrangements. For instance, European clubs that play in the Europa League on Thursday nights often compete again in domestic matches on Sundays. A strict application of the rest rule would push those games to Monday.
FIFA also stated that players should be granted at least one rest day per week, and that travel logistics and weather conditions will be considered in future tournament planning.
These agreements were made during talks held just before the Club World Cup final between PSG and Chelsea. The tournament, scheduled during the European offseason, has drawn criticism from unions concerned about player health, prompting increased pressure for mandatory rest periods and more robust safety measures during games.
Ahead of the month-long Club World Cup, concerns over player fatigue and injuries reignited calls for stronger protection measures. In response, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other senior officials met with representatives from global players' unions in New York. FIFA described the meeting as “progressive” and reaffirmed that player welfare remains a “top priority.”
In a statement, FIFA emphasized the shared understanding that players need a minimum of 72 hours between matches, and at least a 21-day break following each season. It noted that how this rest is implemented should be tailored to each club’s schedule, the players’ individual circumstances, and existing collective agreements.
Strictly enforcing the 72-hour rule could significantly affect current match schedules and broadcast arrangements. For instance, European clubs that play in the Europa League on Thursday nights often compete again in domestic matches on Sundays. A strict application of the rest rule would push those games to Monday.
FIFA also stated that players should be granted at least one rest day per week, and that travel logistics and weather conditions will be considered in future tournament planning.