In a compelling plea for change, Arsenal and Netherlands star Vivianne Miedema has called for a revision of the women’s football calendar and increased investment in medical teams to tackle the alarming rise of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
Miedema’s concerns come as she and several other players, including her teammate Beth Mead, are set to miss the Women’s World Cup due to ACL problems. She emphasizes the need for reduced workload and better support for players to prevent further injuries.
Miedema highlights the significant increase in minutes played by female footballers, with the number of games rising from around 30-35 to approximately 60 per season. She stresses that such demands pose challenges for players, especially in the absence of improved facilities, better medical teams, and more medical staff. Miedema urges clubs to prioritize these areas for improvement.
Studies indicate that female athletes are three to six times more susceptible to ACL injuries than their male counterparts. When asked if the issue would receive more attention in men’s football, Miedema unequivocally states that it would, emphasizing the need for swift action and financial investment from clubs, UEFA, and football associations. She calls for not just attention but a financial injection to address the issue and benefit all players.
Miedema suggests that research is crucial, but immediate action is equally necessary. She proposes that clubs and national teams should allocate funds directly to medical teams, as research solutions may take several years to materialize.
Miedema expresses her belief that football, including men’s football, fails to fully understand the physical and mental impact the game has on players. She emphasizes the need to prioritize player protection over financial gains or entertainment.
The Netherlands international recommends granting footballers more time off during the season for rest and recovery, highlighting the excessive workload resulting from the congested football calendar. Miedema calls on FIFA to address this issue by implementing substantial breaks before and after tournaments, as players currently face a lack of adequate rest. She warns that without changes, the prevalence of ACL and other injuries will continue to rise, not only in the UK but globally.
Miedema’s urgent plea to FIFA underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the football calendar, ensuring players have sufficient time off and recovery periods. By addressing these concerns and providing appropriate support, the aim is to mitigate the ACL crisis and safeguard the well-being of female footballers.
