Rodri Has Spoken Out Over Fixture Congestion

In a recent interview, Manchester City midfielder Rodri has suggested that footballer players are close to going on striker over the congestion of fixtures and the expectation to play even more games than ever before.

Why do footballers want to go on strike?

The interview came just before the new Champions League season began. The new structure of the Champions League sees teams play two extra games before the knockouts than before the change.

The Club World Cup, which Manchester City will compete in next summer, has also been restructured. Last season, City won the competition by playing just two games, however if they wish to do the same this campaign, they will need to play seven times.

Rodri has suggested players are "close" to going on strike because of concerns over their increasing workload 😳 pic.twitter.com/P5ZSUamZCV

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) September 17, 2024

Rodri was part of the Spain team that won the Euros this summer and played 63 games in all for both club and country last season. If he had played in every one of the games played by his club and his country last year, he would have played 70 in total, an average of a game every 5 days for the whole year.

Who has called for change?

Rodri is not the only person speaking out about this. Recently, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji and Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti have all spoken about fixture congestion.

🗣️ | Manuel Akanji on the relentless fixture schedule: “Maybe I’ll retire at 30!” @BBCSport pic.twitter.com/T7tTvAs7XT

— City Chief (@City_Chief) September 15, 2024

Fifpro have hinted that they will be pursuing legal action against Fifa over its abuse of dominance in football. They believe that the footballing body has put commercial interest over player welfare. The PFA have echoed these views and said that legal action is inevitable.

Will there be a player strike?

So is a player strike possible in the future? Potentially. They have spoken out, and if they are not listened to then, according to the PFA, they will begin to consider all options. The ball is in Fifa’s court and it is up to them to decide where to go next.