World Cup endangers player's health after insufficient break, says FIFPro

The union reiterates its call for a mandatory rest period of at least four weeks between the last game of one season and the start of the preseason training for the next, with the health of players currently in danger.

"Players are under too much pressure, caught between the needs of their clubs and their own personal well-being," the union said in a statement.

"While FIFPro understands the financial implications of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League for clubs, the health of these players is endangered because of such crowded schedule of matches. "

The group stage of the World Cup in Russia, which was officially part of last season, ended on June 29th. while the final between France and Croatia was played on July 16 (AEST).

The first qualifying round for the UEFA Champions League started on July 11 (AEST), which means the two seasons overlapped by a few days.

Iceland's Arnor Traust ason played – and scored – for Swedish champion Malmo in a 3-0 win against Kosovar side Drita in the Champions League qualifiers the same day.

Nemanja Radonjic and Milan Rodic play for Red Star Belgrade A qualifying match for the Champions League on July 12 (AEST) and compatriot Vladimir Stojkovic played for Partizan in the UEFA Europa League the following day

while the minor league teams are already participating in the European qualifiers, the big clubs are making lucrative tours abroad. 19659002] Last weekend, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said his team's World Cup attendees should consider cutting back on their vacations to help the exhausted team in the early stages of the season. Premier League. Frenchman Paul Pogba, Belgian Romelu Lukaku and Englishman Jesse Lingard may miss the opening match against Leicester City in less than two weeks. [19659002] English defender Phil Jones and forward Marcus Rashford are expected to return early to prepare for the start of the season.

Mourinho, frustrated after seeing his team lose 4-1 to Liverpool in Sunday's International Champions Cup (AEST), suggested that others should do the same.