Stop the 'Game of Massacre', UNFP Tells FIFA Boss Over Player Overload

The global football community is facing growing backlash over the congested match calendar, with the French footballers' union, UNFP (National Union of Professional Footballers), issuing a powerful statement to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The union has called for an immediate reevaluation of the non-stop schedule, denouncing it as a “game of massacre” that jeopardizes the physical and mental well-being of players worldwide.

FIFA's Expanding Calendar: A Ticking Time Bomb?

Over recent years, FIFA has continued to expand international tournaments, including the Club World Cup, revamped formats of the World Cup, and additional international breaks. While these changes may generate more revenue and fan engagement, the players are the ones paying the price — physically and emotionally.

The UNFP has raised concerns that this relentless schedule is "unsustainable and dangerous", especially for elite players who are forced to play across multiple competitions without adequate rest. The union's statement directly challenges the leadership of Gianni Infantino, urging him to put "the health of footballers before profit and politics."

Player Burnout Reaches Crisis Point

Numerous high-profile players, managers, and club doctors have echoed the UNFP's sentiments. Injuries are on the rise, recovery periods are shrinking, and mental fatigue is becoming a silent epidemic in the sport. Top athletes are regularly pushed to play 60+ matches a season, including club and international duties — a pace that is increasingly being seen as inhumane.

Former professionals have also spoken out, saying today’s schedule would have been "unthinkable" during their time. The union warns that unless FIFA acts now, the next generation of footballers may suffer irreversible long-term damage.

UNFP’s Call for Immediate Reform

In their public appeal, the UNFP is urging FIFA to:

• Reduce the number of international tournaments and friendlies
• Implement longer rest periods between seasons
• Involve player unions in decision-making processes
• Promote player health and safety as a top priority

The message is clear: football cannot thrive if its players are broken.

Will FIFA Listen?

As public pressure mounts, all eyes are now on FIFA's next move. Will Infantino and global football’s governing bodies take these warnings seriously, or will commercial interests continue to outweigh player welfare?

The world of football stands at a crossroads. The UNFP's powerful message — “Stop the game of massacre” — is more than a slogan; it is a desperate plea to preserve the integrity of the beautiful game and protect those who bring it to life.