UEFA, FIFPRO Calls For Stronger Player Welfare After Yamal And Dembele Injuries

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier issued a joint call on Monday to safeguard player health, warning that the increasingly congested football calendar has reached a breaking point.

Their statement followed criticism from Barcelona coach Hansi Flick over Spain’s handling of Lamine Yamal’s groin injury. Flick claimed the 18-year-old was given painkillers to play in World Cup qualifiers despite reporting discomfort.

Earlier this month, Paris Saint-Germain demanded corrective measures, accusing France’s medical staff of disregarding the club’s recommendations on injury risks after Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué returned from international duty injured. France’s players’ union (UNFP) has also raised concerns, blaming the international match schedule for jeopardizing player health.

Čeferin and Terrier, who met last week in Albania, urged UEFA, national associations, leagues, clubs, and unions to work together to protect player welfare while preserving the values of European football.

“Our collaboration with FIFPRO Europe reflects our shared responsibility to protect player health and strengthen the foundations of the game,” Čeferin said.

National team football remains a cornerstone of Europe’s identity and unity. As the demands on players continue to grow, it is more important than ever to work together with associations, leagues, clubs, and players to find balanced solutions for the future of the sport.

Terrier echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for collective action.

We all recognise that the calendar has reached a tipping point. In Europe, we are fortunate to have the tools and the partners clubs, leagues, and national associations to create protocols that protect player well-being and ensure that both national team and club football continue to inspire, unite, and thrive,he said.