Genoa President Zangrillo unimpressed with FIFPRO protest | OneFootball

While most players and their associations complain there are too many games, Genoa President Alberto Zangrillo goes against the grain. ‘They are healthy and well-paid.’

The Players’ Union FIFPRO announced this summer that they are taking legal action against FIFA over the increasingly bloated fixture list, which is expanding both club and international tournaments.

The introduction of the Club World Cup next summer makes it even tougher for players to get a break and there are warnings it will lead to an uptick in injuries.

However, Genoa President Zangrillo has a different view on the situation.

“We are not in European cup competition, but the big clubs who do have that problem also have a very large squad to choose from,” said the man who for his day job is a professor of medicine.

“I look at the NBA where they play every two or three days, so I am not worried. They are healthy and well-paid, so it is only right that they play.”

Genoa patron feels FIFPRO anger exaggerated

FIFPRO have analysed the data and noted that some Manchester City players were involved in over 70 games during the 2023-24 season.

Julian Alvarez, who won the Copa America with Argentina as well as the Premier League for Manchester City before his transfer to Atletico Madrid, was included in 78 matchday squads and made 71 appearances.

This also involved an extraordinary amount of travel across the globe, all of which takes a toll on the physical and mental health of players.