UNFP has accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of carrying out a “massacre” against players
The French National Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP), in a tone of strong indignation, accused FIFA president Gianni Infantino of promoting a “massacre” against the players. The reason for the criticism is the creation of the Club World Cup and the consequent increase in the already overloaded schedule of games.
“His [Gianni Infantino] Club World Cup proves, to the point of absurdity, that it is urgent to stop this game of massacre. He disregards the physical and mental health of the players for a few extra dollars,” the union said. The UNFP also directed its criticism at those it called Infantino’s “sycophants”, highlighting that the players are being deprived of essential vacations.
“The incongruity of the situation is not lost on anyone, except, of course, Gianni Infantino and his sycophants. From the top of his ivory tower, which he parades around the world, the FIFA president is not bothered by the fate that the international calendar has in store for the top football players,” the statement said.
Union alleges disrespect
The union pointed out that collective bargaining agreements “provide for an incompressible period of three weeks of rest for football players between two seasons”, something that is being disrespected. In addition to the physical harm, such as injuries, the UNFP warned of the psychological risks, including mental illness, that the increased workload can cause to athletes. The UNFP concluded by reiterating that, together with FIFPro and FIFPro Europe, it has protested “for years against the drastic increase in working hours and against the harmful effects on domestic football of a calendar that FIFA continues to dictate alone”.
