FIFA agree to mandatory rest period amid concerns of heavy player workload

The major football unions have made progress in pushing them to improve the REST regulations, after a meeting in New York between FIFA Gianni Infantino president and senior representatives of international players’ organizations.

The talks ended with a joint agreement on the necessity of fixed rest periods across the global game.

Fears related to fatigue from the players, which increased the FIFA decision to retain the first 32 teams ever in the club’s World Cup this summer during their European season, led the unions to request guarantees for athletes.

After the discussions during the weekend, FIFA announced that a “consensus” has been reached with the unions of the players to create a period of no less than 72 hours between the matches, along with a three -week required break at the end of each season.

FIFA also indicated that it is open to allow the players ’union representatives to attend FIFA sessions whenever the decisions that affect the players on the agenda.

In a statement, FIFA defined the scope of discussions: “The meeting dealt with the main issues related to the health of the player (both men and women), which is a top priority given that they are part of the framework for the prevention of the professional risks set by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

“FIFA and players’ unions have reviewed the upcoming joint projects involved in the world’s football board and representative organizations, with a special focus on the comfort of the player and recovery, as well as competitions in the context of the international calendar for the match (IMC).

💰🗣 FIFA GANNI Infantino President at the FIFA World Cup 2025: “We have achieved revenues of more than $ 2 billion. This is $ 31 million per game. There is no other club championship close.” 🏆 pic.twitter.com/vbo5Qe5o9z

– Eurofoot (@eurofootcom) July 12, 2025

“There is a consensus that there must be at least 72 hours of rest between matches, and players must have a rest/holiday period of no less than 21 days at the end of each season.

“This period must be managed individually by each club and the players concerned also depends on their matches calendars and take into account the collective agreements in force.

“Moreover, the day’s day rest should be planned, while it is practically managed.

“In addition, it has been discussed that the player’s travel-especially long intercontinental trips-and climatic conditions through which matches are played, should be considered when determining the upcoming IMC policies.”

This development follows the legal measures it took in June 2024 by FIFPRO, as well as players’ unions in English and French, which filed a complaint with the European Union.

They accused FIFA of offending the use of its prevailing location in the market by expanding international matches -especially by expanding the World Cup and creating the club’s World Cup -without representatives of consultant players.

Before the club’s World Cup starts in the United States, FIFPRO repeated his invitation to a four -week guaranteed break every year.

FIFA, who admits friction, agreed that scheduling should strike a better balance.

The ruling body said: “With regard to the competitions, FIFA and players’ unions agreed on the importance of achieving the right balance between football in the national team and football for the club, on the one hand, and between the local, continental and international competitions on the other hand.”

“It is important to create opportunities for players from all over the world to compete in higher competitions because this enhances the development of global football.

“In addition, more play opportunities for players who are not at the highest international level have been determined as a priority.”