Leah Williamson Warns of Potential Strikes Over “Unworkable” Football Schedule
England and Arsenal star Leah Williamson has refused to rule out strike action as professional players push for a more manageable global football calendar. Speaking ahead of England’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, the 28-year-old captain highlighted the “accumulation” of physical stress on elite athletes.
Williamson, who recently returned to the pitch in December 2025 following a grueling recovery from knee surgery, helped lead Arsenal to a Women’s Champions Cup victory this February. However, she warns that the current path is unsustainable.
Success vs. Survival: The Player’s Perspective The core of the issue lies in the lack of recovery time for successful teams. Williamson noted that the more a team wins, the less rest the players receive.
FifPro Data: A recent report revealed that for the first time since 2020, every single one of the world’s top 15 players played 50 or more games in a single season.
The Injury Risk: Players like Williamson and Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze have spent significant time sidelined due to injuries many attribute to “over-scheduling.”
“I would never take [striking] off the table,” Williamson stated. “If a group of people don’t feel like they’re being listened to, history suggests that’s the only way they can be heard.”
The Vanishing Off-Season The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has echoed these concerns, stating that the “defined season” is effectively disappearing. Players are now expected to transition seamlessly between domestic leagues and international tournaments in a year-round cycle.
The PFA, alongside French and Italian unions, has launched joint legal action against FIFA. They argue the current calendar is “unworkable” and endangers:
Physical Recovery: Increased risk of ACL and soft-tissue injuries.
Mental Wellbeing: The burnout associated with a non-stop competitive cycle.
Career Longevity: Shortened playing windows for the world’s best talents.
The “Holiday” Misconception Williamson was quick to clarify that players aren’t asking for vacations. “It always sounds like we’re asking for a holiday, but that’s not the case,” she explained. “Rest is part of a professional footballer’s job. Why is that not prioritized by the hierarchy?”
Despite the tension, Williamson remains hopeful for a collaborative solution between players and governing bodies before industrial action becomes the only option.