'Stop This Game Of Massacre': Gianni Infantino Blasted For Ignoring Players' Concerns

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Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 10:03 IST

France's professional footballers' union says Club World Cup has shown how match schedule is pushing players to their physical and mental limits.

Gianni Infantino is facing severe criticism. (AP Photo)

France’s professional footballers’ union has called on FIFA to stop what it describes as a “game of massacre" affecting players’ health. The union accuses President Gianni Infantino of ignoring the toll an overloaded calendar, including an expanded Club World Cup, is taking on players.

The UNFP released a critical statement, warning that the tournament highlights how the relentless match schedule is pushing players to their physical and mental limits.

“The incongruity of the situation escapes no one – except, of course, Gianni Infantino and his flatterers," the UNFP stated.

“From his ivory tower, which he tours around the world, the FIFA president shows no concern for the fate the international calendar reserves for top players."

World football’s governing body FIFA did not immediately respond to the statement when contacted by Reuters.

The UNFP pointed out that the Club World Cup, now featuring 32 teams and running for a month until July 13, comes at the end of an exhausting season and violates collective bargaining agreements that guarantee players at least three weeks of complete rest between seasons.

Instead, key players are thrust straight into high-stakes fixtures, increasing the risk of injuries and mental burnout, the UNFP argues.

“His (Infantino’s) Club World Cup proves, to the point of absurdity, that it is urgent to stop this game of massacre," the UNFP added.

FIFA has contended that it is responsible for fewer than one percent of club games and that the Club World Cup involves a maximum of seven games (for two teams) every four years.

Crowded Football Calendar

The strongly worded statement reflects growing concern among players worldwide over fixture congestion.

Earlier this month, several stars voiced fears about the rising risk of injuries due to the relentless schedule, with some warning they were reaching a breaking point.

The UNFP stated it stands with the global players’ union FIFPRO and FIFPRO Europe in denouncing the workload, arguing that the congested calendar undermines player welfare and domestic competitions.

“In September, Manchester City midfielder Rodri suffered a serious knee injury shortly after warning that players were on the verge of striking over excessive workloads," the union added, highlighting the tangible risks of burnout.

Paris St Germain are competing at the Club World Cup just weeks after winning the Champions League on May 31.

Some French clubs have already resumed pre-season training ahead of the new Ligue 1 campaign starting in mid-August, while others will return next week.

PSG, who reached the Club World Cup quarter-finals with a 4-0 win over Inter Miami on Sunday, face a schedule that leaves no space for the rest period guaranteed in collective agreements.

“We do not see how or why PSG players should be denied the three full weeks of rest they are entitled to," the UNFP said, warning that the additional workload could affect the performance of French internationals when national team fixtures resume in early September.

With Reuters Inputs

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