PFA chief criticizes football calendar after Palmer's England withdrawal

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 29, 2026, 3:37 PM

Last updated Sep 29, 2026

PFA chief criticizes football calendar after Palmer's England withdrawal

Summary

Cole Palmer, Chelsea forward, withdrew from the England squad, prompting concerns over player welfare due to a demanding match calendar. PFA chief executive Maheta Molango described the system as 'sick' and unsustainable, highlighting that five players pulled out for health reasons ahead of the latest international window. Molango called for a mandatory three-week summer break to address these issues, though Premier League official Rebecca Caplehorn noted that practical implementation remains challenging. This situation reflects broader concerns regarding increasing player fatigue across European teams.

Source Links

BBC Sport

Key Details

•Cole Palmer withdrew from England's squad for 'load management'.
•PFA CEO Maheta Molango labeled the football calendar as unsustainable.
•Five players withdrew from international duty, indicating widespread concerns.
•Molango advocates for a mandatory summer break to improve player welfare.
•Premier League's Rebecca Caplehorn expressed theoretical support, citing practical challenges.

Latest Updates

3:37 PMBBC Sport — England's Palmer a 'victim' of 'sick' schedule, says PFA chief

What they're saying

"
Cole Palmer is the "victim" of a "sick" system that is expecting too much of players, according to Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Maheta Molango.
— BBC Sport

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