Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will head a FIFA taskforce dedicated to player welfare amid rising concerns over the congested football calendar.
Earlier this month, top European leagues and the players’ union FIFPRO lodged a legal complaint with the European Commission, accusing FIFA of “abuse of dominance” regarding control over the international fixture schedule.
The taskforce, led by FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development Wenger, includes representatives from FIFPRO, FIFA’s member associations, confederations, the European Club Association, and the World Leagues Association.
“The objective of the taskforce is to examine how suitable and effective safeguards for players can be implemented, also taking into account practical considerations from operational, medical, regulatory and legal perspectives,” Fifa said in a statement.
The taskforce will “make recommendations informed by the latest scientific research on players’ physical and mental well-being.”
The group is scheduled to meet in the coming weeks.
Europe’s already packed football calendar has become even more congested with the expanded Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13 next year.
Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri recently expressed that players are nearing a strike in protest against the growing number of matches.