The sheer athleticism that footballers displayed during the Group FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. this 2025 could only be overshadowed by the record breaking temperatures, which soared above 45°C (113°F) as players’ union, FIFPro; in fact, at stainless steel FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the wandering tournament’s organizers. What is it about? The safety of players, which, in their opinion, has been negligibly cost through extreme greed and comfort in indicated areas.
Burnt Pitches, Rising Temperatures
Various games during the group stage were played under the advice of extreme heat warnings. In spite of hydration breaks and the addition of extra stoppage time, players from more than one team were strikingly fatigued and were compelled to seek post-match medical attention for heat-related issues.
FIFPro was quick to respond. In a statement published just after the third matchday, they declared, “No player should be forced to perform under such physically hazardous conditions. FIFA’s scheduling must prioritize health, not heat.”
Where’s the Fix?
FIFA’s tournament calendar has always been the cause of arguments with FIFPro, but it seems that the matters concerning the environment and health have gone to the extreme. On the one hand, FIFA defended the match schedule by citing the presence of hydration protocols and medical support; whereas, on the other hand, FIFPro and many fans still doubt it.
“This is not just a scheduling issue. It’s about player welfare,” said a spokesperson from FIFPro. “Infantino is the one who should be held responsible for allowing the organization of games that undermine basic health standards.”
Athletes Whistleblow
Most of the players are careful not to publicly criticize FIFA, but some of them have talked anonymously to the mass media. A particular club’s midfielder from South America reportedly said to reporters, “It was a like a heavy weight vest. It was unbelievable hot.”
Such social media hashtags as #ProtectThePlayers and #TooHotToPlay, assigned with FIFA who do not consider successfully handling the game today particularly in the face of climate hard-ships, have turned into internet phenomena failing to achieve the comfort of gains. Fans have become a solid base for FIFPro and have asked if FIFA has done enough to modify the game to fit with the current environmental challenges.
Comment from the President
Regarding the growing pressures on him, Gianni Infantino was forced to address the issue briefly, showing that he realizes the players’ demands. “There is always an ongoing assessment of players’ welfare, including the kick-off times and medical guidelines,” he said, without pointing out particular scheduling shortcomings.
Such things failed to circle majesty to the critics. A lot of them claim that this should be brought to the table long ago, i.e. to avoid games in the heat of noon or to shift the date of the match.
More Important Than Just One Tournament
The dispute hints football’s global crisis goes far beyond. With events drained increasingly under the sun in summer, extreme weather is not a special case anymore.
FIFPro, therefore, is fighting for the establishment of a global heat policy as like the tennis and athletics sports, which, at a certain temperature above, matches are stopped or rescheduled.
What Next?
As the Club World Cup goes on, player health is still in the spotlight. It is reported that FIFPro is preparing a detailed report to be handed to FIFA’s medical committee, as well as a public campaign that seeks independent environmental audits before the organization of any international tournament is scheduled.
What is clear is that in the beautiful game, health and safety can never be eclipsed by the show and the program.
