FIFA Adopts Player Protection Measures in Rabat, Including 72-Hour Rest Between Matches and Mandatory Weekly Day Off

Rabat, the capital city, witnessed the establishment of the "Professional Players' Consultation Forum," a new structure approved by FIFA. Its aim is to enhance players' rights and improve their working conditions within clubs and national teams, following a series of decisions that emerged from a meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and representatives from 30 player unions across various continents.

During this meeting, a set of measures aimed at safeguarding player welfare and ensuring their financial and professional stability were approved. Key among these are the adoption of a minimum rest period of no less than 72 hours between matches, the imposition of an annual holiday of at least 21 days between seasons, and a mandatory weekly rest day, with consideration for travel conditions and climate when scheduling matches.

FIFA also announced the creation of a "Professional Players' Support Fund" with a capital of approximately $20 million for the period between 2026 and 2029. This fund aims to assist players who have not received their dues due to financial problems faced by their clubs.

The organization further emphasized guaranteeing the representation of player unions in FIFA committees, ensuring that players' voices are heard in major decision-making processes concerning the future of football.

The decisions also included establishing a special support mechanism for national unions to develop their activities and programs, particularly in the areas of youth player development and promoting women's football.

The meeting concluded with an affirmation of the creation of a joint legal working group between FIFA and the unions to continue dialogue on transfer regulations, contracts, and dispute resolution, thereby ensuring minimum professional standards in contracts and rights.