Norwegian midfielder Morten Thorsby says “everybody in football loses” if FIFA does not take stronger measures to protect players from extreme heat at this summer’s World Cup.
Thorsby is part of a group of current and former professional footballers who have written to FIFA, calling for enhanced heat protocols for the expanded tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The letter supports concerns raised by leading scientists and medical experts who warned that FIFA’s current safety measures are insufficient and pose a risk to player safety.
Thorsby, who plays for Italian Serie A club Cremonese and has been campaigning on climate issues in football for over a decade, emphasizes that the issue goes beyond player welfare. “It’s also a message to FIFA - they have to do more to take care of people and the planet,” he told BBC Sport. “They have a huge responsibility and they’re not doing enough.”
The Norwegian team is expected to compete in the World Cup after qualifying for the first time in 28 years. Researchers predict that temperatures at 14 of the 16 stadiums used could exceed dangerous levels. FIFA has stated it has enhanced heat protocols, including mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in every half of every match, regardless of conditions.
However, the players’ letter says FIFA should go further, supporting calls from medical experts for stronger protections, including longer cooling breaks and clearer protocols for delaying or postponing games in extreme conditions. Thorsby noted, “For the players, it’s an obvious problem of heat impacting performance. The intensity of the game goes down. There are dangers related to heat-related problems, but it’s also a huge problem for the spectators.”
The letter has been signed by players past and present from across the men's and women's game, including Italy defender Elena Linari, former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, and Ipswich Town forward Chuba Akpom. Thorsby added, “We need more high-profile players to join this debate.”
FIFA has previously stated it is committed to protecting the health and safety of players, referees, fans, volunteers, and staff at the World[...]
This is a critical issue that FIFA needs to address immediately. The health and safety of players should always come first. How can we call ourselves a modern sport if we can't even protect players from extreme heat? FIFA, step up!