ZURICH -- Global footballers' union FIFPro says that at least 15 World Cup players have taken part in UEFA club competitions less than four weeks after returning from Russia, giving them an insufficient close season break.
The union reiterated its call for a mandatory rest period of at least four weeks between the final game of one season and the start of pre-season training for the next.
"Players are coming under too much pressure, caught between the needs of their clubs and their own personal well-being," said the union in a statement.
"While FIFPro understands the financial implications of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for clubs, the health of these players is being put at risk because of such a congested match schedule.