Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be leading an official task force regarding player welfare. FIFA is assembling the group amid widespread concerns over fixture congestion. Several clubs, coaches, and players have recently joined together to voice their frustrations on the issue.
Real Madrid, the reigning European champions, announced this past summer that they may boycott the 2025 Club World Cup. This came after FIFA revealed that the competition would be heavily expanded. The tournament has typically been contested by just seven clubs. Nevertheless, the new competition, which is set to be played in the United States next summer, will now feature 32 teams.
Just days after Real’s statement, FIFPro, the global soccer players union, announced legal action against FIFA. While the case was triggered by several decisions by the governing body, it essentially centers around the Club World Cup. FIFPro officially represents nearly 65,000 professional soccer players across the globe.
2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri then claimed that players could soon go on strike if FIFA keeps increasing fixture lists. Several players, including Real’s Thibaut Courtois, supported the remarks by the Manchester City star. Rodri unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury just days after the claim.
Wenger has worked extensively with FIFA since Arsenal departure
FIFA is attempting to combat the overwhelming backlash by implementing the new task force. Following his departure from coaching, Wenger was hired by FIFA to become their Chief of Global Football Development. In the role, the Frenchman is essentially responsible for growing and developing the sport.
Along with this position, Wenger also works as a key member of the Football and Technical Advisory Panel. The job allows the former manager to submit input on potential official rule changes in the sport. Wenger has since pushed for a controversially major alteration to the offside law.
FIFA is asking…
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Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-10-29 18:48:29
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