FIFA accepts the compulsory rest period in the midst of concerns of the workload of heavy players
The main unions of football players have progressed in their pressure to improve rest regulations, following a meeting in New York between the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino and the best representatives of international players organizations.
The talks ended with a shared agreement on the need for coherent rest periods through the world game.
The growing concerns concerning the fatigue of players, reinforced by the decision of FIFA to hold the very first world cup of clubs of 32 teams this summer during the European dead, led the unions to demand guarantees for the well-being of athletes.
After discussions during the weekend, FIFA announced that a “consensus” had been reached with the players’ unions to establish a minimum interval of 72 hours between the games, as well as a three-week required break at the end of each season.
FIFA also said that it was open to allowing representatives of the players’ union to attend the FIFA council sessions whenever decisions affecting players are on the agenda.
In a press release, FIFA described the scope of discussions: “Reunion addressed key questions concerning the health of players (men and women), an absolute priority since it is part of the prevention of professional risks established by the International Labor Organization (ILO).
“FIFA and the players’ unions have examined the upcoming common projects involving the world football director and the players’ representative organizations, with a specific accent on players’ rest and recovery, as well as competitions in the context of the International Match Calendar (BMI).
💰🗣️ FIFA president Gianni Infantino, on the 2025 club World Cup: “We have generated more than $ 2 billion income. It’s $ 31 million per game. No other club tournament is getting closer.” 🏆 pic.twitter.com/vbo5qe5o9z
– Eurofoot (@eurofootcom) July 12, 2025
“There is a consensus according to which there must be at least 72 hours of rest between the matches, and that the players should have a period of rest / vacation of at least 21 days at the end of each season.
“This period must be managed individually by each club and the respective players who also depend on their match calendars and taking into account the applicable collective agreements.
“In addition, one day of rest per week should also be planned, while being managed pragmatic.
“In addition, it was discussed that players’ trips – in particular long -haul intercontinental trips – and the climatic conditions in which the matches are played, should be taken into account when defining policies for the next BMI.”
This development follows judicial measures taken in June 2024 by FIFPro, with the unions of English and French players, which filed a complaint with the European Union.
They accused FIFA of having abused its dominant market position by expanding international devices – notably thanks to the enlargement of the World Cup and the creation of the Club World Cup – without representatives of consulting players.
Before the club’s World Cup in the United States was kicked off, FifPro reiterated its call for a guaranteed four-week off-season each year.
FIFA, recognizing friction, has agreed that planning must strike a better balance.
“With regard to competitions, FIFA and players’ unions have agreed to find the right balance between national team football and club football, on the one hand and between national, continental and global club competitions,” said the director.
“It is important to create opportunities for players from around the world to participate in the best competitions, as this stimulates the world development of football.
“In addition, offering more game opportunities to players who are not the highest international level have also been identified as a priority.”
