The congested football schedule is not only jeopardizing players’ health but also harming the overall quality of the game, according to Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Maheta Molango. With several tournaments expanding to increase revenue streams, Molango believes that football can learn valuable lessons from American football.
Molango pointed to the example of Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne suffering a muscular injury in last season’s Champions League final as evidence of the toll that excessive games can take on players. Speaking at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit, Molango expressed concern over the impact on player health and the sustainability of the sport as a result of the demanding schedule.
Statistics show an increase in injuries this season compared to previous campaigns, with Newcastle experiencing the most injuries and days lost to injuries. The debate over player welfare has been further fueled by discussions about games lasting over 100 minutes due to added time to combat timewasting.
As football competitions continue to expand, with plans for larger tournaments like the Champions League and Club World Cup, Molango suggests that football administrators should consider the NFL’s successful model of playing a limited number of games to generate significant revenue. By prioritizing player well-being and the quality of the game, Molango believes that football can thrive without compromising the health of its players.