**Bundesliga Players Consider Strike Over Fixture Congestion**
**Players Union Releases Statement Expressing Concerns**
The German Football Association (DFB) is facing a potential strike from Bundesliga players over concerns about fixture congestion. The players' union, the Vereinigung der Vertragsfußballspieler (VdV), released a statement on Thursday expressing its members' grievances.
**Concerns Over Player Welfare**
The VdV's statement highlighted concerns over player welfare, with the union arguing that the current fixture schedule is putting players at risk of injury and burnout. The statement pointed out that Bundesliga players have had to play an average of 45 games per season in recent years, which is significantly higher than the average in other major European leagues.
The VdV also expressed concerns about the impact of fixture congestion on the quality of play. The union argued that players are unable to perform at their best when they are constantly playing games with little rest. This, the union said, is leading to a decline in the quality of Bundesliga matches.
**Negotiations with DFB**
The VdV has been negotiating with the DFB over fixture congestion for several months, but the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement. The DFB has argued that it is not possible to reduce the number of games played in the Bundesliga without significantly impacting revenue. The league's television contracts, for example, are worth billions of euros.
The VdV, however, has maintained that the health and well-being of players must be the top priority. The union has said that it is prepared to strike if the DFB does not agree to reduce fixture congestion.
**Potential Impact of Strike**
If Bundesliga players do go on strike, it would have a significant impact on the league. Many of the league's biggest stars, including Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski and Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland, would be unable to play. This would likely lead to a drop in television ratings and ticket sales.
A strike would also damage the DFB's reputation. The Bundesliga is one of the most popular leagues in the world, and a strike would be seen as a sign of disarray.
**Negotiations Continue**
The DFB and the VdV are continuing to negotiate, and it is possible that a compromise can be reached. However, if the two sides are unable to find a solution, it is likely that Bundesliga players will go on strike.
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