#player-welfare

#player-welfare

The extreme heat in Qatar during summer necessitates a winter scheduling for the 2029 Club World Cup, a move likely to stir opposition from European leagues.

For Masaseng, the tournament has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the game across the continent. A former football journalist and pundit, Masaseng now represents the interests of professional players in Africa.

Hayes has left out most Europe-based players to prioritize their rest, enabling the team to focus on domestic players ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

We are constantly in regular dialogue with all our players regarding their wellbeing and welfare, especially under the current circumstances affecting Solomon in Israel.

This is the first opportunity -- and the only one -- for them to take a break between now and the World Cup in two years, emphasizing player welfare and recovery.

"I think we're all mindful and understand some of the financial dynamics that a club goes through, but the reality is that quite a few players have expressed concern."