Arteta Warns Football Authorities Fixture Congestion Threatens Player Welfare
Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta Has Warned Football’s Governing Bodies on Growing Fixture Congestions Across Domestic, European Competitions
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s weekend Premier League match, Arteta lamented the lack of rest and recovery time for players, warning that the current scheduling pace “is unsustainable” and could eventually force clubs to take drastic action.
“We are now at a point where we have seven matches in 22 days,” Arteta told reporters. “There’s very little time to train, to recover, or even to prepare properly. Decisions about fixtures must be based first on player welfare and on the interests of supporters. Everything else should come after that.”
The Arsenal boss expressed frustration that his squad, like many others, has been stretched to its limits by overlapping domestic, European, and international commitments. He noted that top players are being pushed into playing nearly year-round, often with little to no off-season recovery time.
Arteta’s comments came in response to questions about whether the Premier League or UEFA might eventually see clubs refuse to participate in certain competitions due to unmanageable fixture congestion. The Spaniard stopped short of predicting such action but said the idea no longer seems far-fetched.
“If we keep ignoring the signs and continue adding matches without care, anything can happen,” he warned. “At some point, players’ bodies will give way, and fans will be watching second-string teams because everyone else is injured.”
Arteta is not alone in raising alarm. Other Premier League managers, including Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, have voiced similar concerns. Glasner recently criticised the League Cup’s scheduling, which could see some clubs forced to play three games in five days due to overlapping fixtures. He described the situation as “irresponsible and unfair” to both players and fans.
The issue has reignited debate about football’s crowded calendar — a problem exacerbated by the expansion of major tournaments, international windows, and commercial tours. Player unions and health experts have repeatedly warned that excessive match loads are leading to higher injury rates, burnout, and declining performance levels.
Arteta urged football’s governing bodies — including the Premier League, UEFA, and FIFA — to come together and review how competitions are structured. He suggested the introduction of minimum rest periods between matches and better coordination between domestic and international schedules.
“We all love the game, but we must protect the people who play it,” he said. “Without the players, there is no football. Protecting their health should be the top priority.”
Arsenal are currently juggling Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup matches, with little respite between games. Several of Arteta’s key players, including Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, have already faced recurring fitness issues this season.
Analysts say that unless meaningful reforms are introduced, fixture congestion will only worsen — especially with new tournament formats on the horizon, such as FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup and UEFA’s revised Champions League structure starting in 2026.
For now, Arteta’s message echoes the growing sentiment across football: the sport’s relentless pace is taking a toll, and unless action is taken soon, player welfare — and the quality of the game itself — may pay the ultimate price.
