Uefa and Fifpro flag player welfare issues

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin and David Terrier, president of players’ union Fifpro Europe, called for action on Sept 15 to safeguard player health, warning that the congested fixture calendar has reached a tipping point.

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Their joint statement came after Barcelona coach Hansi Flick’s criticism of Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal’s groin injury, in which he said the 18-year-old was given painkillers to play in World Cup qualifiers, despite complaining of discomfort.

Paris Saint-Germain said last week they were seeking corrective measures and accused France’s medical staff of ignoring their recommendations on injury risks after Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue returned to the club injured.

France's players’ union has also blamed the international calendar for risking player health.

Ceferin and Terrier, who met last week in Albania, have urged Uefa, associations, leagues, clubs and unions to work together to protect player welfare, while upholding the values of the European football pyramid.