New report calls for eight-week break and mid-season rest for footballers

The Club World Cup does not end until July 13, meaning Manchester City and Chelsea players could have a gap of just five weeks before the new Premier League season kicks off on August 16. File picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

All professional footballers must be given at least eight weeks to rest and retrain between seasons as well as a minimum one-week mid-season break, according to a new report.

The call for minimum protections to be introduced worldwide comes as some of the world's top stars prepare to take part in the newly-expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, which starts on Saturday.