Football is often celebrated as the beautiful game, but behind the glamour of packed stadiums and lucrative contracts, many players silently endure psychological and emotional struggles. While discussions around mental health in football have gained momentum, the reality is that in some leagues and contexts, players still face mistreatment from club management that goes beyond financial disputes.
The Hidden Pressures Players Face
The majority of football clubs operate with professionalism and respect for their players. However, there are still too many cases where club owners and executives act as if they have unchecked power, disregarding their contractual obligations and treating players unfairly. As a football agent and sports law advisor, I have witnessed players being subjected to:
- Threats to Withhold Salaries: Some clubs pressure players by delaying or withholding payments unless they perform in a certain way, violating basic contractual rights.
- Verbal Abuse and Public Criticism: Instead of handling concerns professionally, some managers resort to insults, humiliation, and even media attacks.
- Persecution and Retaliation: Players who voice concerns or fail to meet unrealistic expectations may be sidelined, excluded from training, or pressured to leave.
- Threats to Family and Personal Life: In extreme cases, players and their families experience intimidation tactics, adding another layer of psychological distress.
While these cases do not represent the majority, they are still too frequent and highlight a serious problem in the way some football clubs handle their responsibilities.
The Role of FIFA, FIFPro, and Governing Bodies
Organizations like FIFA and FIFPro advocate for player rights, but their actions tend to focus mainly on unpaid salaries. However, financial compensation alone is not enough. Governing bodies must take stronger measures to address mistreatment, including:
- Increasing Indemnities for Moral and Social Harassment: Psychological abuse, threats, and social persecution should be met with serious financial penalties for clubs and appropriate compensation for affected players.
- Enforcing Stronger Sanctions on Clubs Engaging in Abusive Practices: Clubs that mistreat players should face tangible consequences, such as transfer bans or points deductions.
- Implementing Faster Response Mechanisms: Too often, players wait months or years for legal resolutions. Cases involving abuse and threats must be handled urgently.
- Making Mental Health Protection a Contractual Obligation: Clubs should be required to provide psychological support and ensure a respectful work environment for their players.
Beyond Words: Real Action is Needed
It is easy for football’s governing bodies to speak about mental health and well-being, but without enforcing stricter regulations on clubs, these discussions remain hollow. The football industry must evolve beyond the outdated mindset that players are mere assets, and instead recognize that their mental health is just as important as their performance on the pitch.
If we truly want to protect footballers, the time for stronger action is now.