Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has spoken out about the increasing number of football matches top players are expected to play. In a sharp criticism of football’s governing bodies, such as FIFA, UEFA, and even the Premier League, Haaland expressed concern that the crowded schedule is becoming too much for the players to handle.
This is not just a new issue with the revamped Champions League format but has been going on for years, according to the Norwegian goal-scoring machine.
Manchester City fans will be concerned with the complaints made by their striker Erling Haaland and even Rodri. The latter had earlier complained about the increasing amount of games, and not too long after that, he got injured and will be out for a long time. They will however need to support their beloved team even with comments from their players suggesting resistance against the increased workload. They can support them by purchasing Manchester City tickets from an online resale store.
Haaland’s comments have opened up a bigger conversation about how many games footballers are required to play, and whether it is fair or safe for them. He even suggested that if things don’t change, players might be forced to take drastic actions, like going on strike.
Players under pressure to perform even with increased workload & risks
Fans love seeing their favorite players on the pitch almost every week, scoring goals and winning matches. But what people often forget is how much work goes into being a professional footballer. It is not just the matches; there is the training, the travels, the media commitments, and the pressure to perform at the highest level each time. For players like Erling Haaland, this schedule is even worse.
Over the past few years, the number of games players are expected to participate in has increased. Domestic leagues, like the Premier League, already have a packed calendar, but players also have to compete in European competitions, such as the Champions League and Europa League.
Then there are domestic cups, like the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, plus international matches for their national teams.
This means that an elite player, like Haaland, could be playing more than 60 games in a season. While this might sound exciting to fans who love watching football, it can be exhausting and even dangerous for players.
Haaland, has experienced firsthand how demanding the football schedule can be. In a recent interview, he did not hold back, criticizing the people who run football for putting profits ahead of players’ well-being.
“The amount of games is becoming ridiculous,” Haaland said. “We are not robots. We are humans, and playing this many matches can lead to injuries and burnout.”
Haaland’s frustration is understandable. The more games players have to play, the greater the risk of injuries. Even for a player as physically strong as Haaland, the constant demands can take a toll. He is not alone in this belief; many other players and managers have also raised concerns about the packed football schedule.
The revamped Champions League format has only added to the problem & the possibility of a strike
One of the key issues Haaland mentioned is the new and expanded format of the Champions League.
This expansion has been criticized by many, including Haaland who also noted that the Champions League is not the only problem. “It is not just the Champions League,” he said. “This has been happening for years. The schedule is packed, and they just keep adding more games.”
For UEFA, the revamped Champions League is about making more money from television rights and sponsorship deals. But for players like Haaland, it is another burden on an already overworked schedule.
Haaland’s concerns go beyond just being tired. Playing too many games can have serious effects on players’ health and performance. The risk of injury increases when players don’t have enough time to rest and recover between matches. For example, muscle injuries, like hamstring strains, are common when players are fatigued.
Even mental health can be affected. The constant pressure to perform, combined with the physical exhaustion from so many games, can lead to burnout.
Haaland is worried that if nothing changes, players might have to take drastic action. “If things don’t improve, we might have to take a stand. It could even come to the point where players strike” he said to emphasize the growing dissatisfaction amongst players.
The idea of a player strike is not as far-fetched as it might seem. In other sports, such as basketball and baseball, players have gone on strike to protest unfair treatment, and sometimes even to get better pay or working conditions.
If other players like Haaland decided to strike, it could force FIFA, UEFA, and other relevant football bodies to take notice. After all, without the players, there is no football. A strike would disrupt leagues, tournaments, and even major international competitions like the World Cup. It would be a powerful message that players cannot continue to be pushed to their limits without consequences.
Haaland hopes it doesn’t come to that. “Nobody wants to strike, but if it is the only way to make them listen, then we have to consider it,” he said.
Haaland also believes that FIFA and UEFA need to rethink their approach. “They are not the ones playing the games, we are. They need to listen to the players and understand that we can’t keep doing this forever.”
According to the Norwegian centre forward, the relevant football bodies (FIFA & UEFA) would need to listen or face the possibility of players going on strike.
Conclusion
Erling Haaland’s criticism of FIFA and UEFA can be said to be justified given their almost unending desire to increase the number of matches played.
While it must be noted that these players are paid a lot to do a lot, but then if the cow is killed in the process of milking it then there may not be any more milk.
