FIFPRO, the global players’ union representing over 70,000 professional athletes, is calling on FIFA to reconsider its plans for midday and afternoon kick-offs during next summer’s World Cup. Concerns have been raised regarding the extreme heat conditions in specific host cities including Kansas City, Miami, and Monterrey, Mexico, all deemed “extremely high risk” for heat-related injuries among players.
In addition to these cities, other locations such as Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston were categorized under the same high-risk umbrella due to excessive heat and humidity. However, FIFPRO expects that venues with retractable roofs and advanced climate-control technology can mitigate these risks. Meanwhile, cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and Guadalajara have also been identified with very high or high-risk categories, while only San Francisco and Vancouver are considered low-risk.
FIFPRO’s concerns come after the organization experienced weather-related challenges during this summer’s Club World Cup, where matches in Los Angeles were allowed to proceed in excessive heat, raising alarms about player safety. FIFPRO’s medical director, Professor Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge, noted the increased likelihood of heat-related illness in specific areas and underlined the necessity for thoughtful match scheduling in these regions.
While FIFPRO has expressed its reservations and recommendations to FIFA regarding kick-off timings, union leaders fear that FIFA’s commercial interests, particularly the demands of a vast global audience, may influence scheduling decisions. Despite this, there’s a hopeful outlook that FIFA will remain flexible in light of the recent Club World Cup experiences, adapting how they manage heat during matches.
To help combat the heat, Dr. Gouttebarge suggested implementing longer half-time breaks—extending from 15 to 20 minutes—and more frequent cooling breaks during games. This proactive approach shows FIFPRO’s commitment to player health and safety, highlighting a potential path forward for future tournaments.
Overall, the efforts made by FIFPRO underscore an increasing awareness and response to the challenges posed by climate, which may encourage more adaptive practices for the welfare of players in upcoming competitions.