Soccer News Blog: Soccer Facing Crisis as Organizations Fail to Protect Players
For Maheta Malongo, the state of soccer is dire, and the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of the governing bodies. The chairman of the English Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) believes that the beautiful game is under serious threat due to the proliferation of new competitions and the physical toll it takes on players who already have a packed schedule.
Malongo, who has been at the helm of the PFA since 2021, brings a wealth of experience from his time as CEO of Real Mallorca from 2016 to 2020. He recently participated in a thought-provoking presentation at the Global Soccer Forum awards alongside industry heavyweights such as Ferrán Soriano (Manchester City), Karl Heinz Rummenigge, Mikel Arteta, and Cesc Fábregas. The focus of the discussion was the future of football.
During the event, Malongo issued a stern warning to soccer chiefs, urging them to prioritize player welfare or risk witnessing a decline in the quality of the game that could alienate viewers. “We are on the brink of a point of no return. It’s not just about a few privileged players who earn well and play frequently,” Malongo emphasized.
He continued, “We have reached a stage where people are realizing that this is starting to impact the quality of what we see on the field. Even the most skeptical fans are beginning to understand that they want to witness the brilliance of their favorite players, but many are unable to deliver.”
Malongo highlighted the case of Pedri in Spain as an example. When players reach a certain level and face an overwhelming number of consecutive games, their bodies eventually succumb to fatigue. No amount of money can alleviate this physical toll.
In addition, Malongo drew attention to the NFL model in the United States, where teams play fewer games but generate more revenue than their English counterparts. “We often look at other models for inspiration. The American model is different, and it’s not entirely comparable, but it’s worth noting that in the NFL, teams play 17 games per season and generate $10 billion in revenue,” he explained.
“In the Premier League, which is arguably the most prestigious league in the world alongside La Liga, football generates $4.2 billion from 38 games. Clearly, we are doing something wrong.”
The soccer world must take heed of Malongo’s concerns and prioritize the well-being of players. Failure to do so could result in a decline in the quality of the game and a loss of interest from fans. It’s time for soccer’s governing bodies to reassess their priorities and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sport.
