The Malta Football Players Association issued a statement in which it said that match congestion significantly increases the risk of fatigue, injury, and reduced performance, particularly when it occurs over consecutive weeks.

The MFPA is calling for dialogue to ensure the football calendar protects players as player welfare must remain a central priority.

“The football calendar has become one of the most pressing challenges for players worldwide, and Maltese football is no exception.

ONE-MONTH BREAK 
FIFPRO medical and performance experts have issued clear recommendations to protect player health and ensure optimal performance. These include at least one month without mandatory team training at the end of a season, consisting of two weeks of complete rest followed by two weeks of individual preparation and a minimum of one month of structured pre-season preparation with the team. These guidelines are designed to reduce injury risk and allow players to recover both physically and mentally.

FIVE-DAY INTERVAL BETWEEN MATCHES
A key concern identified by medical experts is the frequency of back-to-back matches. A back-to-back match is defined as when a player participates in a game with fewer than five days of recovery since the previous one. Scientific evidence shows that repeated exposure to such match congestion significantly increases the risk of fatigue, injury, and reduced performance, particularly when it occurs over consecutive weeks.

INSUFFICIENT RECOVERY TIME
The current match congestion is affecting all Premier League players, many of whom are required to play matches every three to four days over consecutive weeks, without sufficient recovery time. This places players under significant physical and mental strain and increases the risk of injury. 

Maltese national team players and those involved in European competitions face an even greater cumulative workload, as their commitments extend beyond domestic competitions to include international and European matches, further limiting opportunities for adequate recovery and preparation.

The situation has become particularly concerning in recent weeks, with several Maltese clubs scheduled to play matches approximately every three to four days over a five-week period. In some cases, players are expected to play up to two matches per week over consecutive weeks, significantly exceeding recommended recovery thresholds.

FATIGUE CONCERNS
These concerns are shared across the football community. A top club coach recently highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating: “From a physical point of view, players are fatigued without sufficient recovery time. From a mental perspective, the pressure of playing every three days creates significant stress, and medically, the risk of injury increases substantially. The condition of the pitches further adds to the physical load on players.”

This is not a sustainable situation. When players are unable to perform at their best, or are sidelined through injury, the consequences affect the entire football ecosystem, including clubs, the national team, and supporters. Increased injuries lead to higher medical costs, reduced performance levels, and ultimately a lower-quality product on the pitch.

CONSTRUCTIVE DISCUSSION
It is therefore important that stakeholders engage in a constructive discussion on potential adjustments to the football calendar. One possible solution would be to align the end of the domestic season more closely with the June international window and start the domestic league slightly later, around September. 

This approach would allow national team players and those involved in European competitions to benefit from proper recovery periods, while also reducing the need to play matches during the extreme heat of August. Additionally, from 2026 onwards, the international calendar will include a combined international window from late September to early October, creating further opportunities to optimise the domestic calendar. Protecting players’ health is not only a medical responsibility, but a shared obligation across the entire football ecosystem.

PLAYER WELFARE
Player welfare must remain a central and non-negotiable priority in Maltese football. The Malta Football Players Association calls for open and constructive dialogue involving all stakeholders, including the Malta FA, the Premier League, clubs, players, and medical experts to ensure that the football calendar is structured in a way that protects player health, supports performance, and safeguards the long-term sustainability of Maltese football.”