TIPS: Player Protection from Extreme Heat

FIFPRO has released a comprehensive report outlining guidelines and strategies to reduce the risks of extreme heat in professional football, following a series of international and continental tournaments played under harsh climatic conditions.

Research referenced in the report shows that national team players and coaches unanimously agree that high temperatures and humidity significantly impair performance and increase health risks during matches. These conditions heighten fatigue levels and expose players to serious heat-related illnesses.

To address this growing concern, FIFPRO has put forward 11 key recommendations aimed at governing bodies, tournament organizers, clubs, technical staff, and players, all designed to better safeguard player health and performance.

Why Heat Is a Serious Player Welfare Issue

High temperatures, combined with humidity, intense solar radiation, and limited air circulation, negatively affect physical output and concentration, while increasing the risk of conditions such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.

According to FIFPRO Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Vincent Gouttebarge, the human body operates within a narrow temperature range (36.1°C–37.8°C). When exposed to extreme heat, players are pushed beyond safe limits, making stricter and clearer guidelines essential.

FIFPRO stresses that heat management protocols should be based on the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), or ambient temperature where WBGT measurement is unavailable.

FIFPRO’s Position on Match Safety in Extreme Heat

While current FIFA guidelines require cooling breaks when WBGT exceeds 32°C, the decision to postpone or cancel matches is still left to organizers.

FIFPRO considers this insufficient and recommends:

• WBGT 28–32°C: Mandatory drinking breaks
• WBGT above 32°C: Matches and training sessions must be postponed

FIFPRO’s 11 Key Recommendations (Summary)

FIFPRO calls for:

1. Universal adoption of extreme heat guidelines across all football stakeholders.
2. Use of WBGT (or ambient temperature) as the standard safety indicator.
3. Mandatory cooling breaks when WBGT exceeds 26°C.
4. Postponement of matches when WBGT exceeds 28°C.
5. On-site temperature measurements before every match or training session.
6. Advance weather monitoring (at least five days before fixtures).
7. Additional heat-mitigation measures such as cooling strategies and cold hydration.
8. Avoiding scheduling matches during peak heat hours.
9. Establishing a register for heat-related medical incidents in football.
10. Expanding research on heat thresholds, mitigation effectiveness, and player-specific risks.
11. Providing extra protection for young players, including avoiding midday kick-offs for youth matches.

KEFWA’s Position

KEFWA fully supports initiatives that prioritize player health over competitive or commercial interests. As climate conditions become more extreme, enforcing clear, science-based heat protocols is no longer optional—it is essential for protecting footballers at all levels.