Arsene Wenger to Chair FIFA’s New Player Welfare Taskforce Amid Fixture Congestion Concerns
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been appointed to lead a new FIFA taskforce focused on player welfare, as concerns mount over the increasing demands of the global football calendar.
This decision comes after the top European leagues and players’ union, FIFPro, filed a legal complaint to the European Commission accusing FIFA of “abuse of dominance” concerning the international fixture schedule.
This taskforce, chaired by Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, includes representatives from FIFA’s member associations, global confederations, the European Club Association, and the World Leagues Association. FIFPro, the players’ union, is also a part of the team.
FIFA explained that the group’s mission is to identify and implement safeguards for players’ physical and mental well-being, with a focus on medical, regulatory, and operational factors.
“The objective of the taskforce is to examine how suitable and effective safeguards for players can be implemented, also taking into account practical considerations from operational, medical, regulatory, and legal perspectives,” FIFA noted in a statement.
The taskforce will begin its work in the coming weeks and is expected to provide recommendations based on the latest scientific research into players’ health.
The pressure on players has been intensifying, particularly in Europe, as the expanded Club World Cup, scheduled for June-July 2024 in the U.S., further crowds an already congested calendar. Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri recently highlighted the issue, warning that players are considering a strike due to the relentless increase in game commitments.
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Arsene Wenger to Chair FIFA’s New Player Welfare Taskforce Amid Fixture Congestion Concerns
