The European football landscape is facing increasing scrutiny over player welfare, prompting a joint call to action from the European Football Federation (UEFA) and the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO). Aleksander Ceferin, President of UEFA, and David Terrier, President of FIFPRO Europe, have urged national football teams across Europe to prioritize the well-being of players, highlighting concerns that excessively busy match schedules are exposing athletes to elevated risks of injury and burnout.
During their meeting last week in Albania, Ceferin and Terrier emphasized the critical need for all stakeholders in European football – including national associations, clubs, and player unions – to collaborate effectively in safeguarding player performance and health. Their discussions underscored the shared responsibility within the football community to address the demanding calendars that currently characterize the sport.
This joint statement follows recent criticisms regarding player management during international breaks. Notably, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick recently voiced concerns about the Spanish national team’s handling of young talent Lamine Yamal. Reports indicated that Yamal received painkillers to participate in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, raising questions about player safety when clubs perceive their athletes to be at risk.
Similarly, in September, French club Paris Saint-Germain openly criticized the medical practices of the French national team. PSG alleged that the club’s medical opinions were disregarded concerning the fitness of Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué during 2026 European Championship qualifiers. Both French attackers reportedly returned to PSG with injuries shortly after their international duties, fueling the debate over national team versus club responsibilities.
The growing number of player injuries linked to packed international tournament scheduling has been a significant concern for player representative bodies, including national player unions associated with FIFPRO.
Aleksander Ceferin articulated the sentiment, stating, “Our unity with FIFPRO Europe reflects a common commitment to protecting players’ health and strengthening the foundational levels of the game. As the demands on players continue to escalate, it is imperative that we work collaboratively with national football associations, clubs, and players themselves to find a sustainable, centralized solution for the future of our sport.”
FIFPRO has acknowledged the increasing intensity of the match calendar and the heightened risk levels it presents to professional players. The organization affirmed its commitment to cooperating with national clubs and UEFA to implement measures that effectively protect player well-being and performance.
