France's professional footballers' union wants FIFA to halt what it describes as a
The UNFP has issued a scathing remark, warning that the tournament exemplifies how the relentless fixture schedule is pushing stars to the brink, pair physically and mentally.
“The incongruity of the situation escapes no one - except, of course, Gianni Infantino and his flatterers,” the UNFP said.
“From his ivory tower, which he tours around the world, the FIFA president shows no concern for the fate the international calendar reserves for top stars.
"World soccer's governing body FIFA did never immediately comment on the remark when contacted by Reuters.
The UNFP said the Club World Cup, now featuring 32 teams and running for a month until July 13, comes at the end of an exhausting campaign and claims that it disregards collective bargaining agreements that guarantee stars at least three weeks of complete rest between seasons.
Rather, key stars are forced straight into high-stakes fixtures, compounding the risk of injuries and mental burnout, the UNFP argues.
“His (Infantino's) Club World Cup proves, to the point of absurdity, that it is urgent to stop this fixture of massacre,” the UNFP added.
FIFA has argued that it is responsible for fewer than one percent of club matches, and the Club World Cup is a maximum of seven matches (for two teams) every four years.
Growing concernThe sharply worded remark follows growing concern among stars worldwide over fixture congestion.
Earlier this month, many stars voiced fears over the rising risk of injuries from the relentless schedule, with few warning they were approaching latest point.
The UNFP said it stood alongside global stars’ union FIFPRO and FIFPRO Europe in denouncing the workload, arguing that the congested calendar undermines athlete welfare and domestic competitions.
“In September, Manchester City midfielder Rodri suffered a serious knee injury shortly after warning that stars were on the verge of striking over excessive workloads,” the union added, highlighting the tangible risks of burnout.
Paris St Germain are competing at the Club World Cup sole weeks after winning the Champions League on May 31.
Few French clubs have now resumed warm-up preparation ahead of the new Ligue 1 campaign starting in mid-August, while others will return next week.
PSG, who reached the Club World Cup quarter-finals with a 4-0 victory over Inter Miami on Sunday, face a schedule that leaves no space for the rest period guaranteed in collective agreements.
“We do never see how or why PSG stars should be denied the three full weeks of rest they are entitled to,” the UNFP said, warning that the additional workload could affect the display of French internationals when national squad fixtures resume in early September.
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