Professional footballers should be granted at least a four-week off-season break, coupled with a minimum four-week retraining period before returning to competition, according to a groundbreaking report released by the global players' union, Fifpro. The study, which garnered consensus from 70 medical and performance experts, outlines 12 crucial safeguards aimed at protecting players from the detrimental effects of exhaustion and excessive workload.

Key Recommendations:

• Four-week off-season break: Ensuring players have adequate time to recover physically and mentally.
• Mandatory mid-season breaks: Providing intermittent rest periods during the grueling football calendar.
• Minimum four-week retraining period: Allowing players to regain fitness and form before competitive action.
• Consideration of travel burden: Minimizing the impact of extensive travel on players' health and performance.

Professor Doctor Vincent Gouttebarge, Fifpro's medical director, emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, "This study presents safety standards based on the considered and independent opinions of medical and performance experts working in professional football who understand the mental and physical strain placed on players. If we can all agree that health comes first, then we should take steps to implement these safeguards."

The report's release coincides with the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup in the United States, featuring Premier League giants Manchester City and Chelsea. The tournament, which concludes on July 13, poses a significant challenge for players, particularly those reaching the final, who will have only a five-week gap before the Premier League season kicks off on August 15.

Chelsea's first game in the Club World Cup is scheduled for June 16, a mere 19 days after their Conference League final victory over Real Betis. The congested schedule has raised concerns among players, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri previously warning of potential strikes due to the increasing number of games. His teammate, Manuel Akanji, even suggested he might retire at 30 due to the lack of breaks in the football calendar.

In October, Fifpro took legal action against Fifa, filing a complaint with the European Commission over what it described as Fifa's "abuse of dominance," particularly concerning the Club World Cup. This legal move underscores the growing tension between player welfare and the expanding football calendar.

As the debate over player workload intensifies, the implementation of these recommended safeguards could be pivotal in ensuring the long-term health and performance of professional footballers.