FIFA has appointed former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to lead a taskforce dedicated to addressing growing concerns over player welfare, as calls to address an increasingly congested football calendar escalate. This new initiative comes after top European leagues and the players’ union, Fifpro, filed a complaint to the European Commission against FIFA, accusing the organization of abusing its power by overloading the international fixture schedule.
The taskforce will include representatives from FIFA’s global football development team, led by Wenger, as well as delegates from member associations, confederations, the European Club Association, and the World Leagues Association. The players’ union Fifpro will also be a key part of this coalition.
FIFA’s official statement described the taskforce’s aim as the development of “suitable and effective safeguards” to support player health, integrating input from medical, operational, regulatory, and legal perspectives. The group will make recommendations based on the latest scientific research related to players’ physical and mental well-being.
The need for action has been underscored by player reactions to the ever-expanding schedule. Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri recently voiced that players are nearing a tipping point and may consider striking to protest the increase in matches.
The already packed European calendar will see additional strain next year, with the expanded Club World Cup scheduled in the United States from June 15 to July 13. Wenger and his team will now face the challenging task of balancing the game’s global growth with the health and sustainability of its players.
The taskforce is set to meet in the coming weeks, with FIFA’s recommendations likely to influence how future seasons are structured. This initiative aims to pave the way for changes that could reshape the future of football, prioritizing player welfare amid unprecedented demands.
