Players can't rest - Blatter is angry with FIFA

A surprising criticism arose in the football world. Former president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Sepp Blatter, stated that the number of football matches worldwide has become excessive. According to him, this trend threatens not only football quality but also players’ health, reported The Athletic.

Recall that from June 14 to July 13, the Club World Cup was held in the United States. In the final, English club Chelsea defeated French giant PSG 3–0 and became the first champion under the new format.

However, discussions about the tournament are far from over. Blatter argues that such tournaments overload football.

“We gave football to Saudi Arabia. They were invited to play, and they did not refuse. Most surprising is that FIFA did not oppose it. Today, players and clubs are deprived of proper rest. Forcing them back on the field again and again is akin to torture. And the heat observed at the Club World Cup in the U.S. was at a level dangerous to human health. That is completely unacceptable,” Blatter emphasized.

Sepp Blatter served as FIFA president from 1998 to 2015. Though many years have passed since then, he remains engaged in world football affairs. His remarks reveal not only concern for players but also serious worry about football’s overall direction of development.

According to Blatter, football should not be organized solely on commercial grounds but must consider human resources. “Playing football every day does not develop the sport. On the contrary, it increases fatigue, injuries, and mental decline,” he said.

Currently, the football calendar around the world is filled with almost continuous tournaments: continental championships, national leagues, cups, international competitions, and now the Club World Cup — all of which impose a huge burden on players.

Among fans, opinions also vary: some eagerly anticipate such tournaments, while others fear that football content and quality are declining.

Will Blatter’s sharp criticism influence FIFA policy in the future? That remains unclear for now. But one thing is certain: football’s future depends not only on victories but also on healthy approaches. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!