Kylian Mbappe becomes latest player to criticise FIFA's congested schedule

The Frenchman has urged FIFA to trim down the relentless football schedule.

Kylian Mbappe has become the latest player to voice his frustration at FIFA’s congested football schedule, which has left other players failing to get enough rest before the start of the new season.

FIFA’s latest blunder has been the new revamped Club World Cup, which witnessed 32 teams participating in the 2025 competition, while it previously had only seven clubs playing in the tournament.

Next year’s World Cup will also welcome a total of 48 teams, a significant jump from last edition’s 32 teams, which is another major concern for player welfare and fixture congestion.

Real Madrid were among the clubs that played in the CWC event but were eliminated in the semi-final. Kylian Mbappe missed the starting games of it due to food poisoning.

However, the forward has come ahead and joined other players urging FIFA to reduce the matches in a football calendar year. He feels that players need more rest, and the intensity of the fixture schedule has “evolved.”

Kylian Mbappe urges FIFA to address player welfare and fixture congestion

Kylian Mbappe has further made his feelings known that players cannot maintain fitness for 60 matches in a year, and will ultimately fall victim to injuries.

Speaking on the issue, Kylain Mbappe said: “I don’t know if we’re ready to play a 60-game season. I’ve seen many games in my experience, and I can’t remember a player who has played a 60-game season at the highest level.

“Last season I had gastroenteritis, that kind of virus. I thought about it and my thinking has evolved: we need more time for rest, for vacations.

“The answer is always that we’re making a lot of money, ‘play,’ and that’s why we play.

“I saw teams returning to training when we were still in the Club World Cup, so there’s a problem. There is a problem. Everyone must find a solution. In the end, everyone will win.

“There will be higher-level matches. We love football and we love our jobs.”

Many have argued that FIFA’s idea of expanding competitions or creating new tournaments has mainly been to generate more revenue, while ignoring the plight of players, who aren’t getting enough rest.

This not only affects them but clubs as well, as they miss their star players in many crucial matches, which impacts their bid to win trophies.

If more players make such statements, then maybe FIFA could consider reducing the congested football calendar. Otherwise, as things stand, the players will continue to suffer from an overload of matches.

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