After the World Cup, FIFPro asks players to rest 4 weeks

Hello everyone, lovers of the World Professional Footballers' Association (FIFPro) say at least 15 players who play in the World Cup take part in UEFA competitions less than 4 weeks after returning from Russia, leaving them not to get enough summer holidays.

The FIFPro affirms its demand for a mandatory rest period of at least 4 weeks between the last match of the season and the start of pre-season training for the following season.

"The players are under too much pressure, trapped between the demands of their clubs and their own welfare," said a FIFPro statement.

"Although the FIFPro understands the financial implications of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for clubs, the health of these players is at risk because of a tight match schedule."

The World Cup group phase in Russia, which was officially part of last season, ended on June 28 while the final was played on July 15.

The first round of qualifying for the Champions League this season starts on 10 July, meaning the two seasons have overlapping effects for several days.

Icelandic Arnor Traustason played and scored for Swedish champions Malmo when they won 3-0 at the Kosovo Drita team's headquarters in the Champions League qualification which took place on 10 July.

Two members of Serbia's World Cup squad Nemanja Radonjic and Milan Rodic played for Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League qualifiers on July 11, and compatriot Vladimir Stojkovic played for Partizan in the Europa League a day later.

When clubs from smaller leagues have qualified for European competition, big clubs run lucrative overseas tours.

Earlier this week, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said his players who participated in the World Cup should consider cutting their holidays to help the team in the initial phase of the new Premier League season.

A number of United's first team players, including France's Paul Pogba, Belgium's Romelu Lukaku, and England's Jesse Lingard can miss the league opening match against Leicester City in less than two weeks.

England defender Phil Jones and striker Marcus Rashford are expected to return early to help prepare for the team ahead of the new season.

Mourinho, who was frustrated after seeing his team lose 1-4 to Liverpool in the US last weekend, suggested other players do the same.