Results for: Player Welfare

France and Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has become the latest high-profile footballer to voice concerns about the grueling fixture schedule, expressing support for potential player strikes to address the issue. Konate’s statement comes after Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who suffered a season-ending injury shortly after warning of potential player action, reignited the debate on player welfare and the intense calendar. The expanding European club competitions and the FIFA international match calendar have contributed to the problem, leading to a record number of back-to-back domestic matches in England.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has expressed his concern about the impact of a jam-packed football calendar on player health and performance. De Bruyne believes that the relentless schedule, fueled by the expansion of European club competitions and the upcoming Club World Cup, prioritizes financial gains over player welfare. He argues that despite player associations raising concerns, FIFA and UEFA are prioritizing financial interests over player well-being.

The tragic death of 25-year-old Harley Balic has ignited outrage, with his father pointing the finger at the Australian Football League (AFL) and its alleged secretive illicit drugs policy. The AFL has come under fire for reportedly failing to properly address the issue of illicit drug use among players, which Harley Balic’s father believes contributed to his son’s untimely demise.