The French footballers’ union is considering legal action over changes to the football calendar.

David Terrier, vice-president of the Union Nationale des Footballeurs Professionnels (UNFP), recently described the current schedule as “insane”, with the FIFA Club World Cup expansion - set to take place in 2025 - adding even more strain.

There are concerns across other domestic leagues over the direct impact FIFA’s Club World Cup will have on start dates for their competitions. There is also the indirect impact the scheduled summer tournament will have on the value of television rights - an issue which has worsened in France over the last few years.

It’s no secret that footballers are growing more mentally and physically exhausted due to the number of games crammed into the fixture calendar. At a time when players are more vocal about this issue than ever, FIFA deems it necessary to push players further - often to their mental and physical limits.

“We can’t be blamed for not trying to find a solution through dialogue,” Terrier explained. “The international calendar is adrift and it is up to us to bring it back to port as quickly as possible using all means at our disposal.”

With Maheta Molango, CEO of the Professional Footballers’ Association, warning of legal action back in December, it's becoming abundantly clear those responsible for the welfare of players are determined to make sure their voices are heard - and their minds and bodies protected.