KUCHING: Despite the increasingly demanding fixture schedules and the physical toll on players, world football continues to thrive, with its commercial pressures only enhancing the sport’s global appeal.
The sport’s global reach continues to grow, with millions of fans tuning in for matches across various continents, despite the congested schedules.
While this pace may leave players physically drained, it highlights the sport’s immense popularity and the financial incentives that drive its relentless calendar, ensuring that football remains one of the most-watched and talked-about sports worldwide.
World football’s governing body, FIFA, has also made efforts to create a more meaningful global club competition, leading to the expansion of the Club World Cup.
The revised tournament will debut in the summer of 2025, shifting from an annual seven-team format to a 32-team event held every four years, just before the World Cup.
The first edition will take place in the United States, a year before the 2026 World Cup.
Although the competition is expected to feature top clubs from around the world, the changes have faced significant criticism.
In a recent conversation with Sarawak Tribune, former Malaysian goalkeeper Syed Adney Syed Hussein and football host Roshan Narayan discussed the growing demands of modern football, particularly in Europe’s top leagues like the English Premier League.
With a packed schedule, including matches on Boxing Day, New Year’s, and fixtures every few days, the physical strain on players is undeniable.
However, both Syed Adney and Roshan shared a pragmatic view, stressing that the expanding calendar is a result of commercial pressures, particularly from the rise of the Super League concept.
While Roshan acknowledged the business side of things, he argued that clubs, especially those with large squads, should not complain and stressed that players are well-compensated, and injuries are simply part of the game.
“That’s why you have a big squad,” Syed Adney added, emphasising that the modern game requires players to embrace the grind.
“If you really love football, you remember when you were young. Every single day, you want a match every single day. But of course, as you get older, you know, science comes in with physios and all that.
“But that’s why you have a big squad. You need to pick the best 25 or 30 players that you can. Obviously, they won’t all be at the same level, but you need a squad that can compete. Everyone needs a chance,” Syed Adney said.
Despite the physical toll, Roshan also pointed out that it is ultimately about business.
“Football belongs to us,” he said, adding that as long as the game remains commercially viable, fans will continue to watch and support it.
Comparing football to other sports like the NBA, Roshan dismissed such comparisons. “It’s like comparing a tomato to an apple.”
He explained that the NBA’s model, with its long off-season and fewer international commitments, is not feasible in football, where clubs participate in multiple competitions, including the Club World Cup and regional tournaments.
Both experts agreed, however, that the love for football keeps players motivated, even if the schedule leaves little time for rest.
Roshan highlighted that the grueling routine is part of the job—and the paycheck that comes with it.
“You’re earning a very good paycheck. I’m not talking about injuries, but you do get injuries, and your career is over after a certain period of time. But that’s the game. That’s part of the job,” he said.
