Manchester City and Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne has voiced serious concerns about the relentless football calendar, particularly after the expansion of the 2025 Club World Cup to 32 teams.
The tournament, set to take place in June, allows only three weeks between its conclusion and the start of the Premier League season, raising fears about player fatigue and potential injuries.
De Bruyne’s main criticism was the increasing number of matches added to the calendar. He argued that FIFA and UEFA continue to prioritize financial gain over players’ health.
“The real problem will emerge after the Club World Cup. We have three weeks to rest and prepare for another 80 matches,” Kevin De Bruyne explained, highlighting the enormous physical strain footballers will face.
“UEFA and FIFA keep adding extra matches, we can raise concerns but they don’t care. Money talks,” he added as quoted by Goal.com.
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What is the reason behind Kevin De Bruyne’s Frustration with FIFA?
While the expanded tournaments bring more games, the Manchester City midfielder is particularly concerned about the long-term effects on players’ well-being.
Kevin De Bruyne pointed out that despite raising concerns, no solutions have been found. “It seems that money speaks louder than the players’ voices,” De Bruyne added, reflecting the growing tension between players and football’s governing bodies.
FIFPRO, the international players’ union, has already taken legal action against FIFA over the expanded Club World Cup. They argued that the continuous addition of matches is unsustainable and fails to account for the welfare of athletes.
According to a recent report by FIFPRO, some players receive only 12% of the year for rest and recovery, further emphasizing the unsustainable nature of the packed schedule.
