FIFA President Gianni Infantino held a significant player welfare meeting Saturday, but without the global players’ union, Fifpro, or the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).
The talks, held in New York before the Club World Cup final, reportedly agreed on a 72-hour rest between matches and a 21-day off-season break.
However, this off-season period is a week shorter than the four weeks Fifpro has been demanding due to player exhaustion.
Fifpro leaders are critical of their exclusion, with some not recognizing officials in FIFA’s meeting photos.
The binding nature of these agreements and their impact on Fifpro’s legal challenge against FIFA (over the expanded Club World Cup) remain unclear.
Fifpro has consistently advocated for longer player breaks, releasing a study last month that highlighted the need for a four-week off-season. They also raised concerns about extreme heat during the Club World Cup.
Despite the snub, FIFA stated future calendars would consider weekly rest, travel, and weather.
Top players like Rodri and Manuel Akanji have voiced concerns about increasing game loads, with Rodri even suggesting players might strike.
