UEFA, FIFA decisions: We’re suffering – Rodri warns of strike by players

Manchester City defensive midfielder, Rodri, has issued a warning about a potential strike from footballers.

According to him, players across Europe feel it is the right measure to take if the issue of fixture congestion continues to persist.

Rodri said that footballers would not hesitate to refuse to play if those in charge of football continue to increase the number of games season after season, adding that players are suffering.

This was after a revamped format of the UEFA Champions League which now sees teams play eight group-stage games instead of six.

The Club World Cup has also seen some changes with teams also set to play more games with 32 participating teams.

This means that top European sides like Manchester City, where Rodri plays, could end up playing over 70 games per season.

Asked if players could potentially stage a protest against the fixture scheduling by going on strike, the Spain International said via Mirror, “I think we’re close to that.

“It’s the general opinion of the players, and if it keeps this way, we’ll have no other option. I really think it’s something that worries us. We are the guys who suffer.

“From my experience, I can tell you that 60 or 70 games – no. Between 40 and 50 is the amount of games in which a player can perform at the highest level. After that, you drop because it’s impossible to sustain the physical level.”

UEFA, FIFA decisions: We’re suffering – Rodri warns of strike by players