FootyChatter.com

Manchester City and Chelsea feature in the expanded Club World Cup tournament, which starts on Sunday (01: 00 BST) Professional footballers should be allowed at least a four-week off-season break, plus a minimum four-week retraining period before a return to competition, according to a new report. The study, released on Thursday by global players' union Fifpro, led to 70 medical and performance experts agreeing on 12 safeguards they want to introduce in a bid to protect players from exhaustion and excessive workload. Fifpro said it represents the most extensive expert consensus to date on safeguards against excessive workload in professional football. More than 75% agreement was required among participants to establish each recommendation. Among the recommendations are: a four-week off-season break mandatory mid-season breaks a minimum four-week retraining period before a return to competitive action and mandatory consideration of the travel burden on players. "This study presents safety standards based on the considered and independent opinions of medical and performance experts working in professional football who understand the mental and physical strain placed on players, " Professor Doctor Vincent Gouttebarge, Fifpro medical director, said. "If we can all agree that health comes first, then we should take steps to implement these safeguards. " The release of the report comes just days before the opening game of the Fifa Club World Cup in the United States. Premier League sides Manchester City and Chelsea are both involved in the tournament, which concludes on 13 July. Should either reach the final, players will have a gap of just five weeks before the Premier League season begins on 15 August. Chelsea's first game of the Club World Cup takes place on 16 June, just 19 days after their Conference League final triumph over Real Betis. In September, a week prior to suffering an ACL injury, City midfielder Rodri said players were close to going on strike because of the increase in games, while team-mate Manuel Akanji suggested he would have to retire at 30-years-old as a result of the lack of breaks in the calendar. In October, Fifpro filed a legal complaint with the European Commission over what it said was Fifa's "abuse of dominance, " which was specifically related to the Club World Cup. Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser US Open round one: Mc Ilroy scrapping in closing stages, Mac Intyre going well World Test final: Australia edge towards 200 lead after SA fightback Cunha completes 'dream' £62. 5m Man Utd move - how does he fit in? Exploring the disappearance of over 100, 000 Syrians Relive Oasis's golden summer with Vernon Kay A con artist with multiple fake identities hides a dark past Stanley Tucci on cooking with Meryl Streep Why has Rodgers signed for the Steelers? Saunas, cuddly toys and new bonds - inside the Lions' Algarve den Is America making Scottish football great again? Why Alexander-Arnold is not allowed to wear number 66 for Real Madrid Brighton flop to Europe's hot property - is Gyokeres ready for next step? Oakmont's 301-yard par three - a gimmick or psychological masterstroke? Wickets tumble as Australia fight back on first day of Test final. Video Wickets tumble as Australia fight back on first day of Test final Quiz - what are England's Euro U21 winners of 2023 up to now? Is Test cricket financially sustainable? One year to World Cup, are Tuchel's England regressing after Southgate era? Norris on 'doing it my way' and racing against Verstappen Data, downloads and detective work - chasing rugby's salary cheats Mary Earps: Queen of Stops. Video Mary Earps: Queen of Stops 'One of Europe's best technicians' - why Man City signed 'genius' Cherki 'Opposite of Postecoglou' - what could Spurs expect from 'chef' Frank? What's going on with falling WSL attendances? 'This course challenges your sanity' - why Oakmont is toughest US Open test Fun French Open whets Wimbledon appetite - Second Serve On honeymoon, playing in a final - Webster's rise to Test all-rounder Sinner and Alcaraz thriller proves rivalry here to stay Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.