By Andrew Warshaw
September 25 – A group of more than 70 players from Brazil’s top two soccer leagues say their health could be at risk because of fixture congestion to accommodate the 2014 World Cup.
The players have written to the sport’s governing body (CBF) following the publication of a schedule that will have fewer rest days.
“We believe that taking this first step means moving toward professionalism, transparency and the pursuit of excellence in soccer,” said the letter, according to the daily newspaper O Globo. “We have the support of other athletes and invite all professional football and those passionate about the sport to join us.”
At least 18 former and current Brazilian internationals apparently signed the letter. The players called themselves Common Sense FC.
“The first main goal is the health of every athlete and concern for Brazilian football,” said Flamengo defender Leo Moura. “With this marathon of games it’s impossible for a human being to maintain the level of excellence and quality to play good football.”
The players are proposing playing no more than seven games a month following publication of the 2014 calendar which sees first, second and third division games halted for a month because of the World Cup, with clubs asked to play more matches in midweek to compensate.
Many clubs and players have called on the CBF to align their calendar more closely with Europe’s August-to-May programme.
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