The legend Arsene Verger became the mediator between FIFA and the players. The world football powerhouse is set to host talks led by the former coach on improving player welfare, which could limit the number of matches played in the congested calendar, as well as mandatory off-season breaks
The task of the Frenchman will also include delegates from the football union FIFPro, as well as from representatives of clubs and leagues, as well as national federations.
The scope of the new panel will include “operational, medical, regulatory and legal perspectives”, FIFA said.
The consultation also comes as legal pressure mounts on FIFA to listen more to stakeholders following a formal complaint to the Court of Justice of the European Union by union and league officials. It cited European competition law and how FIFA had added new tournaments that increased the workload of elite players, with some talking of strike action.
“A special group should make recommendations based on the latest research on the subject of players’ physical and mental health,” FIFA said in a statement.