The Football Association (FA) has raised concerns that fixture congestion and its impact on player welfare could potentially hinder England's hopes in future World Cups and devalue competitions like the FA Cup. The introduction of a 32-team Club World Cup in 2025, along with the expansion of competitions like the Champions League, has increased demands placed on elite players. While cup replays were scrapped two years ago to lighten schedules, the FA emphasized there is a need to "balance the development of the global competition calendar with protecting player welfare".
In its annual report for 2024-25 published recently, it stated that this task had been "complicated by competition owners' ambitions to expand their events within an already crowded schedule". Fifpro, the international players' union, echoed these sentiments stating that its members are caught in a "perfect storm" due to excessive travelling and limited rest and recovery time.
FA released statement:
"The ongoing discussions regarding future structural changes to the game, such as the introduction of new tournaments (eg. Fifa Club World Cup), further intensify this challenge. These changes have the potential to significantly reduce the downtime available to elite players, affecting their recovery and overall well-being.
"The introduction of more global competitions risks devaluing traditional domestic tournaments, such as the FA Cup, and may affect the performance of our national teams due to increased player fatigue and reduced time for international squad training."
Unlike Premier League which criticized FIFA over what it considers a failure to consult over calendar changes, as a member association with voting rights at European and world governing body level, FA intends to advocate for solutions safeguarding players' interests and sport integrity.
High priority risks
English football's governing body also identified risks related to brain health and cyber threats as high-priority areas. Rules across England, Scotland and Wales restrict heading in children's games while different limits are set around training in English and Scottish professional games.
A study funded by FA found footballers were 3.5 times more likely than those in general population to suffer from neurodegenerative disorders. In response, they have implemented phased ban of heading under-11s football while investing into research for better understanding this complex issue.
On cybersecurity front - successful attack on computer systems could lead significant financial, legislative, and reputational impact. To mitigate this risk, FA has implemented several protections including staff education and measures to fend off malicious traffic.
Celebrating achievements & investing in grassroots game
The report also celebrated the achievements of the England women's team - the Lionesses - and the men's under-21 side who both won their respective European Championships in 2025.
FA highlighted its commitment to developing grassroots game through better infrastructure and behaviour with a £158m investment into the game, an increase of £12m from 2023-24. It also expanded a referee bodycam trial which began 12 months previously in adult grassroots football.
However, it reported that its operating profit decreased by £58m to £6m over the same period. The FA also acknowledged that discriminatory and anti-social behaviour was still hindering efforts to create a safe and inclusive environment for all to enjoy the game.
