Sports
Kompany, Alonso Urge Action on Player Workload Amid Strike Threats
Bayern Munich coach, Vincent Kompany, and Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso, have voiced concerns about the increasing workload on football players, joining calls for action amid ongoing strike discussions.
Kompany suggested a cap on the number of games a player can participate in each year, emphasizing the need for mandatory rest periods. Alonso also advocated for greater player involvement in decisions related to the fixture calendar.
The growing number of matches, including the expanded Champions League and FIFA’s 32-team Club World Cup, has raised alarm. Top clubs could face up to 75 games in the current season. Kompany, speaking before Bayern’s match against Werder Bremen, said, “Playing 75 to 80 games a year is unrealistic,” calling for a cap and compulsory holidays for players.
Manchester City midfielder, Rodri, recently echoed these concerns, warning that players may be nearing the point of striking due to the heavy schedule. Liverpool’s Alisson Becker and Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois have also expressed similar worries.
Alonso, ahead of Leverkusen’s match against Wolfsburg, emphasized that players must be involved in these decisions to ensure the quality of football. Both managers stressed the importance of addressing player welfare, with Kompany highlighting the need for exceptions in finals but maintaining the necessity of reducing the overall workload.
Kompany also announced planned squad rotations to cope with Bayern’s midweek commitments, while expressing optimism that veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who was substituted in a recent match, would be fit to play against Bremen.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.
Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.
On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.
Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.
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