PFA respond to Rodri comments as Man City star delivers strike warning

The Professional Footballers' Association [PFA] has responded to Rodri's suggestion that players are "close" to going on strike due to the increasingly congested fixture schedule.

The Man City star said it could reach a stage where there is "no other option" other than to down tools given the claustrophobic calendar following extended formats to the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, as well as international competition.

In a statement, the PFA said Rodri's comments should be a "serious wake up call" to football's governing bodies. It added: “In recent weeks, our members have made their feelings very clear when it comes to the fixture calendar and player workload.

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"Players and their unions have asked to be listened to and to be a central part of these processes. When they are ignored then the natural consequence is that players will begin to consider all options available to them."

In this year's Champions League and Europa League, clubs will play an extra two group games with some due to play an extra two-legged knockout play-off tie depending on where they finish in the league phase.

Meanwhile, the Club World Cup has expanded to 32 teams with the FIFA World Cup itself set to have 48 nations from 2026. Additionally, the Nations League has incorporated an extra quarter-final stage in the finals next summer.

Rodri has been outspoken about the hectic schedule before, having played 56 club games during City's Treble campaign before playing 50 times last season, these totals excluding international outings. The midfielder was forced off with