December 18 – Some elite-level women’s professionals are dealing with a packed schedule that, against the scale, doesn’t have enough games for others to play, according to global players’ union FIFPro.
A major FIFPro study highlighted a disproportionately heavy workload for some players such as Mariona Caldenti, who played 64 times for Barcelona and Spain last season as Barca competed in four different competitions and won them all. Caldenti now plays for Arsenal.
The report, covering 300 players, revealed that some were “overstretched by many matches”, most too few, while new competition resulted in a “unidirectional” increase. The average per player was only 33 games per season.
FIFPro said its research “shows the impact of new or expanded competition in several countries, particularly in Europe and North America, and little or no development elsewhere.”
Fifpro is applying for mandatory breaks and minimum conditions for travel.
Dr. Alex Culvin, FIFPro’s director of policy and strategic relations for women’s football, said, “Women’s football is developing at a two-speed.
“There are players who get overwhelmed by the calendar and the high cadence of the game; It’s an issue that’s rightfully getting more attention.
“Yet there is a larger proportion of players who do not have enough competitive matches and are often overlooked. Putting the players at the center of any, and all, dialogue on the calendar and regularity of the game is key to finding solutions.
“It is important that all stakeholders recognize the depth and diversity of the issues and work together to create a more balanced calendar that accelerates growth, creates more competitive opportunities and provides guaranteed rest periods.”
Culvin called for “a more balanced calendar” that creates more opportunities for competition but also guarantees rest.
The survey comes at a time when FIFAPro is pressing FIFA to reduce the workload in elite men’s football, citing the controversial expansion of the Club World Cup next summer as an example.
Contact the author of this story power.l1734537878Labto1734537878Off DLR1734537878late1734537878sni@w1734537878Ahsra1734537878w.wer1734537878DNA1734537878
