World Cup Trophy

Competition Design and Structures

Impact of match calendars

While competitions at club and international level give players the chance to showcase their skills and advance their careers, FIFPRO strives to ensure that competitive calendars are planned with players’ views in mind. Competitive matches in football have increased dramatically in the last 25 years, especially in elite men's football.

What you should know

Competition structures have to be sustainable

Players rely on them as a platform to display and develop their skills with the view of procuring further job opportunities. The increasing intensity of the pace and physicality of the game, coupled with the high frequency of competitive play, can negatively impact performance.

Current competition structures need to be analysed with the players in mind

Careful review will determine whether or not modifications are necessary to allow players to achieve maximum potential with regards to performance, job opportunities, and career longevity.

FIFPRO provides a platform for players to voice their opinions

Their views and desired boundaries should be fundamental in defining the structure of competitions. Once these are taken into account, a sustainable plan can be built to deliver the highest quality of competitive football that will benefit all parties.

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Statement

FIFPRO Global Player Survey: 75 percent of men's players want to keep World Cup every four years

Seventy-five percent of men’s professional footballers want to keep the FIFA World Cup every four years, according to a survey of over 1,000 players organized by FIFPRO and national player unions about workload and competition formats.

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