AMSTERDAM: Professional footballers should be allowed at least a four-week off-season break, plus a minimum four-week retraining period before a return to competition, according to a new report.

The study, released on Thursday by global players’ union FIFPRO, led to 70 medical and performance experts agreeing on 12 safeguards they want to introduce in a bid to protect players from exhaustion and excessive workload.

FIFPRO said it represents the most extensive expert consensus to date on safeguards against excessive workload in professional football. More than 75pc agreement was required among participants to establish each recommendation.

Among the recommendations are:

a four-week off-season break

mandatory mid-season breaks

a minimum four-week retraining period before a return to competitive action

and mandatory consideration of the travel burden on players.

FIFPRO Fifpro medical director, Professor Doctor Vincent Gouttebarge, said: “This study presents safety standards based on the considered and independent opinions of medical and performance experts working in professional football who understand the mental and physical strain placed on players.

“If we can all agree that health comes first, then we should take steps to implement these safeguards.”

The release of the report comes just days before the opening game of THE Club World Cup in the United States. Premier League sides Manchester City and Chelsea are both involved in the tournament, which concludes on July 13. Should either reach the final, players will have a gap of just five weeks before the Premier League season begins on 15 August.

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