Man City stars could take extraordinary action after Rodri news – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed a strike by Man City players and other top stars “could happen”.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested FIFPRO and the PFA (Professional Footballers Association) must take immediate action to prevent the overloading of the football calendar.
Earlier this month (17 September), Man City star Rodri revealed players are close to going on strike in protest at an increase in games.
He said: “If it keeps this way, it will be a moment that we have no other option, but let’s see.”
Just days later, Rodri suffered a serious knee ligament injury which is set to keep him out for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.
City will play at least four extra matches on top of last season due to their participation in the end-of-season Club World Cup and in the new Champions League format.
Strike ‘could happen’ after Man City star Rodri’s outburst, says Wyness
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “We’ve seen strikes in the States with the NFL and NBA.
“In theory, it could happen.
“What’s going against it is FIFPRO and the PFA are pretty badly organised in terms of getting the players motivated. They would have to change that for a strike to happen.
“The fans will say: ‘You’re being paid pretty well, why are you striking?’
“You keep hearing players from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s saying these guys have got it easy compared to the pitches and numbers of games they played.
“I tend to agree with some of that.
“The issue comes from the battle between Uefa and Fifa about expansion.
“The Champions League and Club World Cup have had the biggest impact.
“Those are the biggest issues for the calendar. I think it would be better if FIFPRO could make the players’ point of view a bit clearer in this debate.
“Like many fans, I’d be prepared to play those extra weeks for the kind of money these players get.”
In other news, Man City set sights on midfield signing after Rodri bombshell.
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