The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) has reacted to Manchester City star, Rodri's comments about potential strike action from players due to the increasingly congested fixture schedule. The PFA stated that these remarks should serve as a "serious wake up call" for football's governing bodies.
Rodri, a key player in Manchester City, suggested that players are "close" to going on strike due to the overwhelming calendar of fixtures. He warned that there might be "no other option" left for players considering the packed schedule following extended formats of major competitions like the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, along with international tournaments. In response, the PFA emphasized that Rodri's comments should not be taken lightly but rather seen as an urgent signal for football authorities.
PFA released statement:
“In recent weeks, our members have made their feelings very clear when it comes to the fixture calendar and player workload.
"Players and their unions have asked to be listened to and to be a central part of these processes. When they are ignored then the natural consequence is that players will begin to consider all options available to them."
The impact of extended formats and increased teams
From this season onwards, clubs participating in both Champions League and Europa League will have two additional group games plus a possible extra two-legged knockout play-off tie depending on their league phase finish.
Moreover, FIFA Club World Cup has expanded its team count from 24 teams previously to 32 teams now. Looking ahead at future tournaments, it is also expected that FIFA World Cup will feature 48 nations instead of 32 starting from 2026. In addition to these changes, Nations League has incorporated an extra quarter-final stage in its finals phase next summer.
These modifications are likely contributing factors towards creating a more congested fixture schedule which could potentially lead players towards considering strike action as voiced by Rodri.
Player burnout
Rodri himself is no stranger to this issue having been vocal about it before. During City’s Treble campaign he played an impressive total of 56 club games followed by another demanding season where he featured in 50 matches, excluding his international appearances.
The midfielder's concerns were further highlighted when he was forced to withdraw due to injury at half-time of Euro 2024 final after playing all but one match leading up to the grand finale.
Rodri's comments and the PFA’s response underline a growing concern in professional football about player burnout due to an increasingly congested fixture schedule. It is a call for football authorities worldwide to reassess their tournament formats and scheduling practices, ensuring that players' health and well-being are not compromised for the sake of more games.
