“Will Footballers Strike Over Increased Workload? Jonathan Wilson Weighs In”

**How Likely is a Strike by ?** In a recent discussion, addressed the growing concern among footballers regarding their increasing workload, particularly with the expanded Champions League and the upcoming Club World Cup leading to a congested fixture schedule. The issue of player workload has been a hot topic, with many athletes voicing their concerns publicly, indicating that it is also a subject of private discussions among them. However, the challenge lies in organizing any form of collective action. The players most affected by the excessive number of games are primarily those at elite clubs, while lower-tier players might welcome additional matches for the financial benefits they bring. Moreover, while many fans share concerns about the overwhelming number of seemingly insignificant games, they would likely react negatively if a match they had invested in—both in terms of ticket purchases and travel—was canceled due to a players' strike, especially considering the high salaries these players earn. This dynamic complicates the potential for organized opposition within the sport. The protest against the proposed European Super League was one of the rare instances where various stakeholders in football united to push back against a decision. That said, the upcoming Club World Cup could serve as a focal point for any potential player action. Given its disorganized nature, it’s unlikely that many fans have committed to attending, and unlike the Champions League or World Cup, it’s not a tournament that players typically aspire to participate in. From a public relations standpoint, players at European clubs could easily frame their opposition to the Club World Cup as a response to an unnecessary addition to the calendar that was implemented without proper consultation. While a strike is not expected, if players were to take serious action, targeting the Club World Cup would seem to be a logical choice.