By Ramiro Diaz
The current football calendar has become a constant source of debate. The accumulation of matches, international competitions, and the physical demands placed on players have generated criticism from various quarters. This time, it's Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid and Belgium's goalkeeper, who has spoken out against FIFA, denouncing the lack of attention to player welfare and the need for a more balanced schedule. His statements have resonated strongly within the football world, highlighting a problem affecting elite players across the continent.
Courtois's Direct Criticism: A Call for Reflection
Courtois's words are blunt and to the point: "We have to stop with the excuse of 'they earn a lot of money'. You can also earn money by playing 10 fewer games. We lack rest. They don't listen to the footballers. The Club World Cup has to exist, but it's difficult to find a way to participate." With this statement, the Belgian shot-stopper not only denounces the overload of matches but also refutes the argument that high remuneration justifies the lack of rest.
Courtois hits the nail on the head by pointing out that FIFA and other organisations prioritise financial gain over player well-being. The accumulation of matches, driven by the creation of new competitions and the expansion of existing ones, generates millions in revenue, but at the expense of players' physical and mental health.
The Current Calendar: An Excessive Physical Demand
The current football calendar is relentless. Elite players are forced to play matches almost every three days, combining domestic competitions (league, cup) with international tournaments (Champions League, Europa League, national team fixtures). Added to this are travel, training, and team gatherings, leaving little room for rest and recovery.
This excessive physical demand has direct consequences on players' health. Muscle injuries are becoming increasingly frequent, and the risk of serious injuries increases considerably. Furthermore, the lack of adequate rest can affect players' sporting performance and mental health.
The Club World Cup: An Example of the Problem
Courtois specifically mentions the Club World Cup as an example of the calendar's problems. While he recognises the importance of this competition, he points out the difficulty of finding a suitable slot for it without further overloading the schedule. The expansion of the Club World Cup, with the inclusion of more teams, further exacerbates this situation.
FIFA has pushed for an expansion of the Club World Cup, increasing from seven to 32 teams from 2025. While this decision aims to increase the tournament's appeal and competitiveness, it raises serious concerns about the impact it will have on the calendar and player welfare.
The Lack of Listening to Footballers: A Fundamental Problem
One of the key points of Courtois's criticism is the lack of listening to footballers by the organisations governing football. Players are the main protagonists of the spectacle, but their opinions and concerns are often ignored.
It is essential that organisations such as FIFA, UEFA, and national leagues take into account the voice of players when making decisions that affect the calendar. Open and constructive dialogue is needed to find solutions that benefit all parties involved.
Possible Solutions: A Call to Action
The problem of the football calendar requires urgent and concrete solutions. Some of the measures that could be implemented include:
The Debate Continues: An Uncertain Future
Courtois's statements have opened an important debate about the future of football and the need to prioritise player welfare. While there are no easy solutions, it is essential that the organisations governing football take these criticisms seriously and work together with players to find a balance between spectacle and health.
The future of football depends on it. If measures are not taken to protect players, the spectacle will be affected in the long run. Injuries, poor performance, and mental fatigue will be a constant, which will harm the quality of the game and the fan experience.
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