FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other FIFA executives have met with representatives of several players’ unions from around the world in New York to address key issues relating to player health (both men and women), a top priority as it is part of the occupational risk prevention framework established by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
FIFA and the players’ unions reviewed upcoming joint projects involving the world governing body and players’ representative organisations, with a specific focus on player rest and recovery, as well as competitions in the context of the International Match Calendar (IMC).
There is consensus that there should be at least 72 hours of rest between matches and that players should have a rest/holiday period of at least 21 days at the end of each season. This period should be managed individually by each club and their respective players, depending on their match schedules and taking into account applicable collective bargaining agreements.
In addition, a weekly rest day should be planned, managed pragmatically. It was also discussed that players’ travel, especially long-distance intercontinental travel, and the climatic conditions in which matches are played should be taken into account when defining policies for the next IMC.
In terms of competitions, FIFA and the players’ unions agreed on the importance of achieving a proper balance between national team and club football, on the one hand, and between national, continental and global club competitions, on the other. It is crucial to create opportunities for players from all over the world to compete in the best competitions, as this drives the development of world football. In addition, providing more playing opportunities for players who are not at the highest international level was also identified as a priority.
The aim is for players and unions to have a presence on FIFA’s standing committees and the FIFA Football Tribunal, as well as possible involvement in FIFA Council meetings when player-related matters are discussed.
There was talk about the creation of an open, global and consultative FIFA players’ representative panel, further reform of the transfer system and its related regulations (e.g. training compensation, trial of young players, etc.). The timely payment of players’ salaries and the FIFA Fund for Professional Players was another of the issues discussed, as well as the development of women’s football.
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