Top footballers could go on STRIKE over new 73-match-a-season calendar as Man City star Rodri joins Liverpool's Alisson with a powerful speech railing against new Champions League format

uld play up to 73 matches in in the current season as concerns increase Ballon d'Or favourite Rodri revealed the world's elite stars are considering striking over football's increasingly hectic schedule. Pep Guardiola's side kick off their Champions League campaign against Inter on Wednesday and could end up competing in 73 matches during a season that is not likely to finish until July given their participation in the new Club World Cup. Rodri has revealed that the world's elite players are considering going on strike amid concerns over scheduling Manchester City could play up to 73 matches this season as games continue to be added to the football calendar Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson slammed the new Champions League format, with the PFA working on legal action against FIFA Rodri echoed Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson's criticism of an ever-expanding calendar, while the PFA are working on legal action against FIFA due to an 'overloaded and unworkable' schedule. The Spain international – who featured for 5,275 minutes across 61 appearances for club and country last season – pointed towards Erling Haaland's extended summer break as a reason for a blistering start to this term.