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players and trainers They have been complaining for years about the physical abuse they are subjected to. Recently, the international players’ union FIFPRO sounded the alarm, on the basis of research In the impact of the World Cup in Qatar on the well-being of the players. This research shows that players take a bit of rest before, between, and after matches. At least 86 percent of players indicated that they needed at least 14 days of preparation time for the World Cup, but this was not the case for 68 percent. However, higher performance is required.
How long can players go on with this? Or will more players like Raphael Varane and Luuk de Jong not want to play for the national team because it requires a lot of physical and mental effort? Virgil van Dijk has also stated that the lack of rest around the World Cup has physically broken him: “I’m not a robot.” But players are treated that way. Poland’s Kamil Glik played another match with Benevento Calcio four days after he was eliminated from the World Cup. How and when to deal with the World Cup? Football is an emotional sport. Disappointments must be digested and victories celebrated. also Vivian Miedema Talk about lack of rest and the resulting increased risk of injury. The Dutch national team’s all-time top scorer has now been seriously injured and will miss this summer’s World Cup.
Irresponsible attrition
Under the guise of promoting and developing football, FIFA creates the Football Calendar Until I complete. More and more competitions with more and more participants. For example, the Women’s World Cup will be expanded from 24 to 32 teams, the Men’s World Cup will be expanded from 32 to 48 teams, and the Men’s Club World Cup will be increased from 7 to 24 participants. This trend also continues at the national level. After the Spanish Super Cup, the Italian Super Cup will also be played in the final with four teams in Saudi Arabia. It will also move the men’s African and Asian championships from 16 to 24 teams. In other words, soccer has a massive expansion incentive.
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In the longest-running 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, 104 matches will be played in 16 different host cities within 40 days. This is not only irresponsible fatigue of the players, traveling thousands of kilometers for the fans is even more irresponsible. from research It shows that, on average, 70 percent of professional football’s emissions are caused by fan travel. Football is nothing without fans, but football with fans becomes impossible in this way. This goes against the goals we set as a country, as a world and also as a football world. the Join FIFA The United Nations Sport for Climate Framework, promising 50 percent emissions cuts by 2030 and “net zero” (an idea that sadly often relies on worthless carbon dioxide).2compensation) by 2040. These targets will not be achievable if FIFA sticks to these plans.
FIFA should not only promote international football, but make it possible, responsible and future-oriented. This means facing reality and betting on fewer international competitions, fewer long journeys and less energy consumption. In addition, climate change threatens Football itself directlyDue to drought, heat, rain, floods and wildfires, football is becoming impossible in more and more places.
Fossil herders
This raises the question of who would benefit from more matches. FIFA expects to achieve record sales of €11 billion as the World Cup expands and its fossil sponsors – such as oil and gas company QatarEnergy and Qatar Airways – will benefit greatly from all the extra airtime. These fossil sponsors and advertisers – such as oil and gas companies, airlines, auto brands that sell primarily SUVs and petrol cars and banks that still fund large-scale fossil fuel projects – drive fossil fuel consumption and protect their reputations by associating themselves with football. Just as the tobacco sector did before.
Rethink the football calendar, limit travel distances and sever ties with fossil sponsors
If we want to continue playing football we will have to organize it and try it differently. Policies should be made based on the well-being of players and a livable planet for players and fans around the world. This is the responsibility of FIFA, UEFA and national football associations such as the KNVB. So this is an invitation for them to take on this role. For Virgil, Vivian and all the young members of the NFL who want to play football on this ground for decades to come. Listen to the players and fans. Make clear plans to reduce football’s emissions as quickly as possible. Rethink the football calendar, reduce travel distances, choose sustainable transportation and cut ties with fossil fuel companies.
Ensure that these agreements are enforced by an independent body, such as anabolic steroids. So that we, football players and fans, can continue to enjoy this wonderful sport for many years to come.
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