As football’s fixture congestion continues to dominate discussions, players like Manchester City’s Rodri, Liverpool’s Alisson, and Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos have raised concerns about the increasing number of games being played.
The addition of the UEFA Nations League and a revamped Champions League format could see some top stars participating in up to 75 matches in a single season. FIFA’s introduction of a 32-team Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the U.S. during June and July 2025, only adds to the mounting workload for players.
Rodri recently voiced his frustration, stating that authorities should take better care of players, not just think about profit. His sentiment was echoed by teammate Bernardo Silva, with Alisson and Marquinhos joining the conversation, urging decision-makers to consider the wellbeing of players.
However, not everyone agrees with the players’ complaints. Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan criticized the idea of a potential player strike, calling it unrealistic for the majority of Premier League players who don’t face the same demanding schedule.
Pundits Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein also engaged in a heated debate over the issue, with Bent arguing that players shouldn’t strike and Goldstein pushing back, saying it’s a disgrace that players feel they need to take such action.
Watch the full debate in the video below:
‘GOING ON STRIKE?! IT’S A DISGRACE!’ 🤬
‘DON’T BE TIRED!’ ❌
Andy Goldstein & Darren Bent clash over the claim that Premier League footballers should STRIKE due to too many games. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LZaohZVdsw
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 18, 2024
