Increased Workload and Travel Linked to Rising ACL Injuries in Women's Football

Fifpro study recommends restructured match calendar and additional recovery time to combat injury rates.

According to a study by Fifpro, female footballers are more susceptible to ACL injuries due to increased workload, travel, and insufficient rest.
The study analyzed 139 elite players from leagues in England, France, Germany, and Spain, finding that 58 were injured over the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, with 12 suffering ACL problems.
Players with ACL injuries typically had a higher number of appearances for club and country, traveled long distances more often, and regularly had less than five days between matches.
The report suggests a restructured match calendar and additional recovery time for players exposed to travel fatigue and jet lag.
UEFA has recently introduced a women's health expert panel to gain a deeper understanding of ACL injuries in the women's game.