UEFA Urges Action To Protect Player Welfare Following Dembele And Yamal Injuries

‎UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin, and FIFPRO President David Terrier issued a joint call on Monday to protect player health.

‎They warned that the increasingly congested football calendar has reached a breaking point.

‎The statement followed Barcelona coach Hansi Flick’s criticism of Spain’s management of Lamine Yamal’s groin injury. Flick claimed the 18-year-old was made to play World Cup qualifiers on painkillers despite feeling discomfort.

‎Paris Saint-Germain said this month they were seeking corrective measures and accused France’s medical staff of ignoring their recommendations on injury risks after Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue returned to the club injured.

‎France’s players’ union (UNFP) has also blamed the international calendar for endangering player health.

‎Ceferin and Terrier, who met last week in Albania, have urged UEFA, associations, leagues, clubs, and unions to collaborate in protecting player welfare while upholding the values of the European football pyramid.

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

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

‎Terrier said there was a collective responsibility to take action.

‎”We all recognise that the calendar has reached a tipping point,” he said.

‎”In Europe, we are fortunate to have the tools and the partners, including clubs, leagues, and national associations, to build protocols that protect the well-being of players and ensure that both national team and club football continue to inspire, unite, and grow.”