Fatshimetrie is a field of research that aims to study the crucial interactions between professional football leagues, players and Fifa, the governing body of world football. Recently, a letter was sent to Fifa at the beginning of the month by the Leagues and the players’ union, clearly expressing their dissatisfaction and their demands.
The main point of contention concerns the calendar of football competitions, now considered saturated and detrimental both economically for the national leagues and physically for the players. This overload of matches has been described as exceeding acceptable limits, pushing professional football players to call for a restructuring of the international calendar, as well as revised dates for the next Club World Cup in 2025.
Fifa responded by emphasizing that the Club World Cup dates had been carefully planned to ensure balance with the international calendar, and that adequate rest periods would be ensured to safeguard the well-being of players. However, the Leagues and Fifpro accuse Fifa of making unilateral decisions for the benefit of its own competitions and commercial interests, to the detriment of national leagues and professional players.
The issue of the overcrowded schedule was discussed at the recent World Leagues Board meeting in London, and measures are now being considered to protect the interests of the parties involved. If FIFA does not commit to resolving the issues raised, legal action could be considered as a last resort to achieve concrete changes.
This tension between the different parties highlights the complex issues surrounding professional football, where the interests of leagues, players and governing bodies sometimes find themselves in conflict. It is essential to find a balance between the different requirements to ensure a healthy and fair environment for all players in the world of football.
In conclusion, this letter addressed to Fifa by the Leagues and professional players highlights the challenges and ongoing discussions regarding the calendar of football competitions. It is crucial to listen to the concerns of all parties involved to find balanced and sustainable solutions that ensure the welfare of players and the viability of domestic leagues.