The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has reached an agreement with a number of footballers’ unions on the implementation of new minimum rest standards. Among the core changes are a mandatory 72-hour interval between matches and at least 21 days of vacation for players at the end of each season, reports Baltimore Chronicle.
The agreement was finalized during a meeting in New York attended by representatives of various footballers’ unions from around the world. However, the global players’ organization FIFPRO did not participate in the discussions, leaving the legal enforceability of these agreements uncertain.
FIFA emphasized that player health is a “priority,” and the new standards aim to reduce the risk of injuries and overexertion. In addition to the 72-hour match interval and annual leave, the agreement also proposes a weekly rest day. Future tournament calendars are expected to take into account both climatic conditions and logistical challenges.
These new regulations could significantly affect current match schedules. For example, in the UEFA Europa League, teams often play on Thursdays and then compete in their national leagues as early as Sunday. With a 72-hour rest requirement, such scheduling would need to be revised. Leagues like the Bundesliga, which previously eliminated Monday fixtures due to fan backlash, may now face further adjustments.
The announcement coincides with the Club World Cup final, which took place during the European off-season this year and sparked criticism from unions demanding a more responsible approach to player workload. The French footballers’ union was especially vocal, calling the situation “catastrophic” and urging authorities to “stop this abuse.”
Despite the legal disputes and union pressure, FIFA continues to push forward its plan to host a 32-team Club World Cup every four years, which may further complicate the already packed schedule for top-level players.
Earlier we wrote that England and Tuchel to challenge FIFA’s new 2026 World Cup rule.