SBOTOP: Rodri Raises the Possibility of Player Strike Over Fixture Congestion "We Are Close to That"

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has added his voice to the growing concerns about the intense fixture congestion facing elite footballers, suggesting that players might strike if the situation continues to worsen. With a packed schedule ahead, including the new-look Champions League format and the expanded Club World Cup, the Spanish international, fresh off winning Euro 2024, believes that players are nearing a breaking point.

Rodri’s comments come amid widespread frustration from several high-profile players, including City defender Manuel Akanji and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who have expressed concerns about the increasing demands on top players. The head of the English players’ union, Maheta Molango, also recently called for football authorities to pay serious attention to these issues.

Growing Concerns from Elite Players

For clubs like Manchester City, the fixture congestion is particularly acute. Competing in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup already places significant demands on their squad. However, with new tournaments such as the expanded Club World Cup, which will take place next summer, and a revamped Champions League format featuring more group-stage matches, the workload is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

Rodri, one of the key players in City’s midfield and a vital figure for Spain, pointed out how the relentless schedule is taking its toll. “I think we are close to [striking],” Rodri said during a press conference. “If you ask any player, he will say the same.” His words reflect the growing sentiment among top players that something needs to change to protect their health and well-being.

Rodri’s Concerns Echoed by Others

Rodri is far from the only player to speak out about the issue in recent days. Manuel Akanji, Rodri’s teammate at Manchester City, and Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, have both voiced similar concerns about the intensity of the current football calendar. Akanji emphasized how little recovery time players have between matches, while Alisson warned that this kind of workload could shorten careers.

The issue has also been acknowledged by Maheta Molango, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA). Molango has been outspoken in his criticism of football’s governing bodies for failing to adequately consider the health of players when expanding tournaments and adding new competitions. “Those running the game must sit up and take notice,” Molango said, stressing that players cannot continue to be treated as “machines.”

With the global calendar becoming more congested due to new competitions, the burden on top players is heavier than ever.

The Expanding Football Calendar

FIFA has introduced an expanded version of the Club World Cup, set to take place in the summer of 2025. Instead of the current seven-team format, the tournament will feature 32 teams, significantly increasing the number of matches and travel involved.

The physical demands of football are already immense, and the addition of new competitions with little regard for recovery time only adds to the strain. Injuries are more frequent, recovery periods are shorter, and mental exhaustion is becoming a major issue for many players.

The Potential for a Player Strike

Rodri’s comments about the possibility of a player strike mark a turning point in the conversation around fixture congestion. While strikes in football are rare, they have happened in the past. If the current trajectory continues, a coordinated effort by players to refuse to play in protest of excessive scheduling could become a reality. Players are beginning to take a stand, recognizing that their health and careers are at risk.