Soccer-UEFA, FIFPRO urge action on player welfare after Yamal, Dembele injuries

FILE Soccer Football - World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group E - Turkey v Spain - Konya Buyuksehir Arena, Konya, Turkey - September 7, 2025 Spain's Lamine Yamal REUTERS/Murad Sezer/ File Photo

(Reuters) -UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and player union FIFPRO President David Terrier called on Monday for action to safeguard player health, warning that the congested fixture calendar has reached a tipping point.

Their joint statement came after Barcelona coach Hansi Flick's criticism of Spain's handling of Lamine Yamal's groin injury, in which he said the 18-year-old was given painkillers to play in World Cup qualifiers despite complaining of discomfort.