FIFA Plans to Introduce Mandatory Rest Periods for Players

FIFA is moving closer to implementing new global player welfare standards, including a mandatory 72-hour rest period between matches and a minimum of 21 days of vacation at the end of each season. The proposals are the result of recent talks with several international player unions.

While FIFA has not disclosed which specific organizations participated, it confirmed that the discussions took place ahead of Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final between PSG and Chelsea. The governing body referred only to “player representatives from several global unions.”

Strict enforcement of the 72-hour rest rule could force significant changes to match calendars and broadcast schedules — particularly in Europe. For example, clubs competing in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday nights might be unable to play domestic league matches until Monday under the proposed regulations.

It remains unclear how these rest periods will be enforced, and whether they will be codified into binding global agreements. Notably, FIFPRO — the largest international players’ union — was not involved in the negotiations, casting uncertainty over the consensus.