a professional player is 1,000 times more likely to be injured at work than an employee in a traditional sector of activity, according to a study

The study, which was commissioned by the global players' union (FifPro), concludes that players suffer, physically and mentally, from the infernal pace of the calendars.

A hellish pace? The championship matches resume this weekend of Saturday November 23 and Sunday November 24, after two weeks of international break. Researchers from the University of Louvain (Belgium) carried out a six-month study and believe that there is indeed a problem of work overload for high-level footballers.

First there is this figure: a footballer is 1,000 times more likely to be injured at work than an employee in a traditional sector of activity. For example, researchers counted 36 injuries on average over 1,000 match hours.

Researchers recommend a minimum of 96 hours of recovery between each match, that is to say a minimum of four days, which is often impossible for international footballers who must continue their championship, European competitions and their national selections.

Too much risk for their body, but also for their mind. Lode Godderis, one of the co-authors of the study, mentions regular depressive symptoms: “The causes are the stress linked to the match, but also a very irregular schedule. They often have to play in the evening, when the body is already going to sleep. These are several factors which contribute to the risk of burn-out. “

This study will be used as evidence before the European Commission by the Players' Union, against the International Football Federation and its overly busy schedules.