FIFA has appointed former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to head a new task force focused on player welfare, as concerns grow over the impact of intense match schedules on players’ physical and mental health. The announcement, made on Monday, follows a joint complaint filed earlier this month by the players’ union FIFPRO, Spain’s LaLiga, and the European Leagues group to European Union antitrust regulators, accusing FIFA of “calendar abuse.”
A recent FIFPRO report revealed that some players have as little as 12% of the year for rest. The introduction of FIFA’s expanded 32-team Club World Cup and revamped international competitions is expected to further add to players’ workloads, intensifying calls for more substantial safeguards.
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In a statement, FIFA emphasized that the task force’s objective is to examine and implement effective player protection measures, considering operational, medical, regulatory, and legal factors. The organization aims to address the health implications of packed schedules through data-driven recommendations.
Wenger, who now serves as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, noted last December that player welfare had improved significantly but acknowledged the need for ongoing progress. The task force will leverage the latest scientific research to enhance protections for players.
FIFA confirmed that the task force will convene in the coming weeks to begin its work on making actionable recommendations for safeguarding players’ well-being.
