Spanish League President Supports Potential Players’ Strike Over FIFA Club World Cup
Spanish Football League president Javier Tebas has expressed support for a potential players’ strike, stating it would be “welcome” if it led to the cancellation of the FIFA-organized Club World Cup. Tebas’ comments come after Manchester City midfielder Rodri threatened a strike if the players’ workload is not addressed.
Rodri’s concerns center around the increased number of matches players are required to play, with at least two additional Champions League matches and potentially up to four before the round of 16. The Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States next summer, would further add to the players’ workload.
The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) and European leagues have filed a lawsuit against FIFA, alleging the organization failed to consult them on tournament schedules and match timings. Tebas emphasized that the issue extends beyond the workload of top players, affecting local leagues and those who play in them.
Tebas stated, “The problem is not just the saturation of matches with 70, 80, or 100 players, but it’s a much bigger problem that affects the whole game.” He confirmed that the Spanish Football League would take necessary legal measures but would support a players’ strike if it aimed to cancel the Club World Cup and restructure the calendar.
Rodri’s comments were echoed by other players, including Swiss midfielder Manuel Akanji and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. The potential strike has sparked a wider conversation about the need for a revised calendar that prioritizes player welfare and reduces the risk of burnout.
Tebas reiterated that the strike should not target local leagues but rather focus on revising the general calendar. He emphasized that the issue affects not only top players but also the broader football community, including 2,000 professional players and other clubs.
The dispute highlights the need for a collaborative approach to address the concerns of players, leagues, and governing bodies. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether a strike will occur and what impact it will have on the future of the Club World Cup and the football calendar.
