Rodri Hints at Player Strike Over Packed Schedule

Rodri, Manchester City midfielder has voiced strong concerns about the increasing number of games, suggesting that players might soon strike in protest. The Champions League’s new format which includes at least two additional games before the knockout stages and the expanded Club World Cup, now featuring 32 teams have exacerbated the issue. City already involved in these expanded competitions faces a schedule with at least four more matches compared to last season.

Rodri, who played 63 matches for club and country in the 2023-24 season, noted that the heightened schedule has left him and other players physically and mentally exhausted. He mentioned that the increased workload could push players towards strike action if changes are not made. The player’s comments come as Fifpro, the global players’ union has already signaled that legal action against FIFA might be inevitable due to the increased game schedule.

The new formats have added significant strain with City needing to navigate more fixtures in both domestic and international competitions. The current season’s demands have been particularly taxing, as seen in Rodri’s extensive playing time including his participation in the European Championship and a grueling club season. In addition to Rodri’s concerns, other football figures have voiced similar frustrations.

Liverpool’s Alisson and Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti have also criticized the increased fixture congestion. Southampton manager Russell Martin has warned that the quality of play may suffer due to these demands. Despite the growing discontent, a full-scale strike remains unlikely due to the complexity of coordinating across different competitions and leagues.

However, the disparity in the number of games played by different teams and the lack of a unified stance among players could complicate efforts to address the issue effectively.