Independent: FIFA held a meeting on player health issues, but did not invite FIFPro

FIFA held a meeting on key issues of player health on Saturday, but did not invite the International Federation of Professional Football Players (FIFPro), a major global player organization.

It is reported that participants even included trade union officials from various countries who have been removed from the list by FIFPro or have lost their seats through democratic procedures. The FIFA press release said there was a "productive discussion" with the player group, involving "key matters such as the international match schedule."

Previously, FIFA was strongly criticized for squeezing the already intensive schedule for the Club World Cup, and FIFPro has filed a legal lawsuit for the event "unnecessarily negotiated and forced a unilateral push." The health problems of players caused by the high temperatures in the United States prompted FIFPro to negotiate with FIFA. Secretary-General Alex Phillips said that the results of the consultation were partially satisfied because the FIFA responded positively during the event, but it would be more ideal if communication was possible in advance.

FIFA then hosted the key meeting of the FIFA called for "establishing an open, globalized advisory committee for players' representatives" on the eve of the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain, but did not invite the most representative FIFPro, representing 65,000 professional players around the world.

Football people privately commented that the meeting was "a farce" and "had serious flaws", believing that this is exactly the same as the hasty implementation of the Club World Cup, and FIFA did not respond to a request for comment.

Its official statement stated: "The consensus among all parties includes at least 72 hours between competitions, and 21 days of vacation should be guaranteed after the end of the season. The club will arrange it flexibly according to the schedule and collective agreement."

also mentioned that "weekly rest days need to be pragmatically managed", long-distance intercontinental travel and climatic conditions must be considered, and the national team and club competition balance should be sought.