The PFA (Professional Footballers’ Association) has issued a stern warning, urging football’s governing bodies to take seriously the concerns raised by Manchester City star Rodri regarding the overcrowded fixture schedule. Rodri suggested that players are “close” to considering strike action as they grapple with an increasingly congested calendar, which includes extended formats for competitions like the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, as well as added international obligations.
In response to Rodri’s comments, the PFA stated that this should be a “serious wake-up call” to FIFA, UEFA, and other authorities. The statement emphasized, “Players and their unions have asked to be listened to and to be a central part of these processes. When they are ignored, the natural consequence is that players will begin to consider all options available to them.”
The concerns stem from changes in major competitions. This season, clubs in the Champions League and Europa League will face two additional group-stage matches and may also be involved in a knockout play-off, depending on their league phase standings. Meanwhile, the FIFA Club World Cup has expanded to 32 teams, and the World Cup will feature 48 nations starting in 2026. The Nations League has also added a quarter-final stage to its finals next summer, adding even more matches to players’ already crowded schedules.
Rodri, who has been vocal about the intensity of the modern football calendar, knows firsthand the toll it can take on players. Having played 56 matches in Manchester City’s Treble-winning campaign, he went on to feature in 50 more last season, not counting his international appearances. During Euro 2024, the midfielder was forced off with an injury in the final, after playing every match but one leading up to the tournament’s climax.
Ahead of City’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan, Rodri didn’t hold back about the growing strain players are under. “Players going on strike? I think we are close to that, it is easy to understand,” he remarked. “I think if you ask any player, he will say the same. It’s not just my opinion; it’s the general opinion of the players. And if things keep going this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option.”
Rodri’s remarks echo sentiments shared by City manager Pep Guardiola, who last year highlighted that real change will only happen if players take a stand. “There isn’t going to be change – there is only one solution: if the players decide for themselves,” Guardiola said. “To say to the organizations ‘stop’, you have to change something. After the statements, maybe FIFA and UEFA react.”
The escalating concerns about player welfare, combined with Rodri’s candid remarks, paint a clear picture of a brewing crisis in football. If governing bodies fail to address these issues, the prospect of player strikes may become a reality, marking a turning point in how football’s calendar is managed.
