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Manchester City's midfielder Rodri lamented over the bloated football calendar.
Manchester City's midfielder Rodri has stated that players could soon embark on strike action to protest against increasing fixture volume and congestion.
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12:46 - 14.09.2024
He was the best - Fabio Capello wastes no time in picking Ballon d'Or winner
Former England manager Fabio Capello has revealed the most deserving winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or award.
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08:35 - 13.09.2024
Ballon d'Or 2024: 'I have already won' — Manchester City star Rodri makes bold claim
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has a strong claim to win the Ballon d'Or after winning the Premier League and Euro 2024.
Football calendar books more slots
The football calendar has steadily clogged up in recent years with the advent of preseason tours and the expansion of various international tournaments.
Players have, understandably, pushed back at this, as Pulse Sports reported one such case last season when ex-Manchester United star Raphael Varane released a statement to that effect.
More and more players addressed the issue publicly, but it has seemingly fallen to deaf ears, with the fixture list adding more games for this season, with the expansion of the Champions League, and with the Club World Cup coming up next summer.
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Rodri’s complaint
Manchester City players are some of the most affected by the bloated fixture calendars, given the amount of competitions they are required to participate in for club and country.
Last season, Rodri played 63 games for club and country, as he was an integral member of both Manchester City and Spain's squads. With that number set to increase this season, the player has suggested that footballers could soon start to strike.
"I think we are close to that," said Rodri said about players striking. "If it keeps this way, it will be a moment that we have no other option, but let's see."
Meanwhile, a report from Fifpro revealed that Rodri was on the ‘red line’ in terms of his physical well-being, as he was playing the maximum 50-60 matches a season.
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