Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany has called for an annual cap on the number of games a player can play, amid concerns over workload.
Kompany’s side are involved in the newly reformatted Champions League – which now has at least two extra games before the knockout stage – as well as the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup that starts next summer.
The request from Kompany follows a claim from Manchester City midfielder Rodri that players are close to going on strike in protest at an increase in games.
“To play 75, 80 games, it gets to a point where it’s not realistic anymore,” said Kompany, a former City captain.
“The solution I’ve always wanted is to put a cap on the amount of games a player can play as an individual. Put a cap, put a compulsory period of holidays [for players].”
Bayern could play up to 64 games this season, with their season potentially running until the 13 July – when the Club World Cup final will be played.
Many of their players will also feature in national team games.
In July, Fifpro said it would take legal action against Fifa over what the global players’ union called an “abuse of dominance” in football.
Rodri’s claim was backed by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, while Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois called for “a balance”, external to be found between more football for supporters and player workload.
Fellow City player Manuel Akanji also joked he may have to retire at 30 because of the relentless fixture schedule.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker added players are not being listened to and warned that no-one in football is close to a solution to fixture congestion.
Striker Harry Kane played 45 times for Bayern Munich last season, before featuring seven times for England at Euro 2024 during the summer.
This season, the 31-year-old has already played twice in the Nations League for the Three Lions in victories over the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
“It’s been a constant topic in recent years – I was part of the Fifpro players’ union, we always treated that very seriously,” Kompany added.
“It’s not just about the matches but also the travelling – with the national team too.
“As a player, I already called for a maximum number to be set for the games a player can play; it should be limited.
“That way you protect your health and the interests of the clubs. And ultimately also the coaches, because it’s not easy for them either. That would make a lot of sense.”
