Champions League Build-Up and Player Concerns
- Stay tuned for live updates on today’s Champions League build-up and match action.
This week marks the beginning of Manchester City’s quest to reclaim the Champions League title amidst the ongoing legal disputes with the Premier League. However, star midfielder Rodri shifted the focus during a press conference on Tuesday to a pressing issue affecting elite footballers: their workload. When asked about the increasing demands on players, Rodri’s response was strikingly candid. “We’re close to strike action,” he asserted, expressing the collective sentiment among players. “If things continue as they are, we’ll have no other option.”
The ongoing debate surrounding the football calendar is nothing new, but Rodri’s comments signal a pivotal moment. As one of the top players in the Premier League and a contender for the Ballon d’Or next month, he openly acknowledged the possibility of industrial action, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
The Reasons Behind Players’ Frustrations
Players at the pinnacle of their careers feel they are being stretched too thin. With expanded competitions, the opportunity for adequate rest has diminished, pushing many established stars beyond the recommended threshold of 55 games per season set by FIFPro, the global players’ union. This season is particularly concerning, as UEFA’s revamped Champions League format introduces two additional group matches, while FIFA’s new Club World Cup is set to take place from June 15 to July 13, adding to the burden.
As a result, players like Rodri could potentially face upwards of 75 matches for both club and country during the 2024-25 season. “It is too much,” Rodri lamented. “Not everything revolves around money or marketing; it’s about the quality of the game. When I’m not fatigued, I perform better.”
Rodri’s remarks highlight a crucial point for players: their voices often go unheard in discussions about their welfare. This sentiment has been exacerbated by the relentless expansions orchestrated by UEFA and FIFA, as well as the grueling travel schedules associated with pre-season and end-of-season tours. Last season, Rodri himself made 50 appearances across six competitions for Manchester City, underscoring the physical toll on players.
A Growing Movement for Change
In response to these growing concerns, significant actions have been initiated. In June, two of Europe’s largest players’ unions—the English Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and the Union Nationale des Footballeurs Professionnels in France—filed legal challenges against FIFA, contesting the legality of its unilateral decisions regarding the international match calendar.
Furthermore, in July, the European Leagues, representing professional football across 30 nations, including the Premier League, joined forces with La Liga and FIFPro Europe to lodge a formal complaint with the European Commission against FIFA. The introduction of the new Club World Cup was cited as the “straw that broke the camel’s back,” solidifying the players’ determination to push back against excessive demands.
The Logistics of a Potential Strike
While Rodri suggested that strike action is “close,” the reality remains that such a move would require careful coordination through either the PFA or FIFPro and would only be considered as a last resort following unsuccessful negotiations with stakeholders. The PFA, representing nearly 5,000 players, would need to conduct a ballot to gauge support for a strike, and a majority would be necessary to proceed.
Any competitions affected, be it the Premier League, English Football League, Football Association, UEFA, or FIFA, would likely respond with legal actions to prevent a strike from occurring. “We’ve made significant efforts to engage with the relevant stakeholders,” said Maheta Molango, the PFA’s chief executive, in a recent podcast. “We strive to reach a diplomatic solution—legal action is often a last resort for everyone involved.”
Historical Context of Strikes in Football
Historically, the threat of a strike has loomed large in English football. In November 2001, the PFA found itself at a crossroads with the Premier League regarding the distribution of domestic broadcast revenues. After three months of stalled negotiations, they called for a strike ballot, which saw an overwhelming 99 percent of players in favor. A strike date was even set for December 1, supported by high-profile players including Manchester United’s Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs.
However, a last-minute agreement was reached after extensive negotiations, averting the strike. Although the PFA did not achieve all its demands, they secured a satisfactory financial package.
Looking back even further, the PFA, led by Jimmy Hill, achieved a significant victory in 1961 when it abolished the £20 weekly wage cap for players, using the threat of strike action as leverage against the FA and Football League.
Comparisons with Other Sports and Countries
Strikes and industrial action are more commonplace in the United States, where players’ unions wield considerable influence. The NBA has experienced multiple lockouts, including one lasting five months in 2011, while the NFL faced similar challenges in renegotiating collective bargaining agreements.
However, parallels with European football are limited. An elite player in England juggles commitments across various competitions governed by the Premier League, EFL, FA, UEFA, and FIFA, complicating negotiations over player welfare.
Identifying Vulnerabilities in Competitions
Should strike action become a reality, it remains uncertain which competitions would be impacted. However, the relationship between the PFA and the Premier League has evolved positively in recent years, moving from adversaries in 2001 to partners in addressing player welfare today.
The PFA has no significant issues with domestic leagues, which have largely remained stable, and there is empathy for the FA and EFL, who face their own challenges. Thus, any strike threats would likely not target these competitions.
Instead, the relationship between the PFA and UEFA appears more constructive, suggesting that FIFA may be the primary target. As FIFA controls the international match calendar and has faced backlash for its new Club World Cup, it presents a potentially softer target for players looking to voice their grievances.
The Likelihood of a Strike
While many might dismiss Rodri’s comments as mere rhetoric, the underlying issues are too significant to ignore. Without meaningful reforms to the football calendar, players’ unions believe a stand will eventually be taken. However, the specifics of how and when such action would occur remain uncertain.
The players’ unions are advocating for a more significant seat at the governance table, which is why they have resorted to legal action against FIFA. The initial case filed against FIFA in June is expected to escalate to the European Court of Justice, and the outcomes of these proceedings will be pivotal in shaping future relations and demands.
Ultimately, while strike action poses numerous challenges, it is a possibility that cannot be overlooked. As Stephen Taylor-Heath, head of sports law at JMW Solicitors, noted, the intersection of employment law and football is complex. As players seek to assert their rights and negotiate better working conditions, the landscape of football could see significant changes ahead.
(Image: Getty Images, Design: Dan Goldfarb)
