FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other FIFA officials met with representatives of a number of player associations around the world in New York (USA), ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea vs PSG.
The meeting addressed key issues related to the health of players (both men and women), which is a top priority as part of the occupational risk prevention framework established by the International Labor Organization (ILO).
FIFA and player unions have reviewed upcoming joint projects related to world football regulators and player representative organizations, focusing on player rest and recovery, as well as competitions in the context of the increasingly dense International Competition schedule (IMC).
The meeting between FIFA and player representative associations agreed to have at least 72 hours of rest between matches, and players should have at least 21 days off/holidays at the end of each season.
This time should be managed separately by each club and corresponding players, depending on their match schedule and current collective bargaining agreements. Moreover, it is necessary to plan one day off per week, while managing it realistically".
The discussion also said that player travel - especially long-haul intercontinental flights - and climate conditions where matches take place should be considered when deciding on upcoming IMC policies.
Regarding tournaments, FIFA and player associations have agreed on the importance of balancing national team football and club football, as well as domestic, continental and international club tournaments.
The important thing is to create opportunities for players from all over the world to compete in top tournaments, as this will promote the development of global football. In addition, creating more competition opportunities for players who have not reached the highest international level is also identified as a priority.
Previously, the International Professional Players' Association (FIFPRO), a player federation of some countries of England and France, sued FIFA against the European Union for abusing its position to expand the World Cup and establish the FIFA Club World Cup.
Ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, FIFPRO has also called for players to have a mandatory 4-week holiday between the two seasons.
