Stop the game of massacre French players union tells FIFA boss

MIAMI - Frances professional footballers union wants FIFA to halt what it describes as a game of massacre affecting players’ health, accusing President Gianni Infantino of ignoring the toll an overloaded calendar, with an expanded Club World Cup, is taking.

The UNFP has issued a scathing statement, warning that the tournament exemplifies how the relentless match schedule is pushing players to the brink, both 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 players.

World soccers governing body FIFA did not immediately comment on the statement 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 season and claims that it disregards collective bargaining agreements that guarantee players at least three weeks of complete rest between seasons.

Instead, key players are forced straight into high-stakes fixtures, compounding the risk of injuries and mental burnout, the UNFP argues.

“His (Infantinos) Club World Cup proves, to the point of absurdity, that it is urgent to stop this game of massacre,” the UNFP added.

FIFA has argued that it is responsible for fewer than one percent of club games, and the Club World Cup is a maximum of seven games (for two teams) every four years.

GROWING CONCERN

The sharply worded statement follows growing concern among players worldwide over fixture congestion.

Earlier this month, several stars voiced fears over the rising risk of injuries from the relentless schedule, with some warning they were approaching breaking point.

The UNFP said it stood alongside global players’