The English Football Association is concerned about its players and coaches being hacked at the World Cup in Russia and has written to FIFA expressing concerns about information already being accessed in a cyberattack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin holds the FIFA World Cup trophy during its presentation at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, Russia, on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. (Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
England has told players, coaches and technical staff to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks over concerns sensitive personal and team information could be illegally obtained in Russia, a person with knowledge of the FA's World Cup planning said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because team security issues are private.
Emails between the FA and FIFA discussing doping cases were last month published by the Russian-linked hacking group, Fancy Bears, as part of a wider disclosure of illegally obtained information.
While the World Anti-Doping Agency has been previously breached by Fancy Bears, it is unclear which network these emails were hacked from. It prompted the FA to write to FIFA about its concerns about cyber security.
England's Eric Dier, left, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup Group F qualifying soccer match between England and Slovakia at the Wembley stadium in London, Great Britain, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
"FIFA has informed the FA in such context that FIFA remains committed to preventing security attacks in general and that with respect to the Fancy Bears attack in particular it is presently investigating the incident to ascertain whether FIFA's infrastructure was compromised," FIFA said on Monday, confirming the letter from the English governing body. "Such investigation is still ongoing. For the purposes of computer security in general, FIFA is itself relying on expert advice from third parties.
"It is for this reason that FIFA cannot and does not provide any computer security advice to third parties."
Asked about concerns about cyberattacks at the FIFA tournament next year, 2018 World Cup organizers said they "would need to check with our IT Department."
Even before the Fancy Bears hack, England was enhancing its IT systems to counter cyberattacks in light of concerns about Russian hackers, said the person with knowledge of the FA's planning. Firewalls have also been strengthened and stronger encryption used on passwords, the person said.
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — FIFA has been told to reschedule its expanded Club World Cup just over a year before the tournament is due to be staged in the United States.
World players' union FIFPRO and the World Leagues Association are demanding reform of the international match calendar, which is controlled by soccer's world governing body.
In a letter obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday, FIFA has been accused of pushing players “beyond their limits, with significant injury risks” by expanding its competitions.
FIFPRO and the WLA say this is impacting players' welfare and their “fundamental rights.”
A 32-team World Cup for clubs could be FIFA’s answer to the dominance of the Champions League and English Premier League as one of the most popular and lucrative sports competitions in the world. But it has sparked concerns over the demands on players in an increasingly congested match calendar, which will include an expanded 48-team World Cup from 2026.
The new version of the Club World Cup is slated for June 15 to July 13 next year and will mean three straight years of major competitions during the usual offseason, given the European Championship and Copa America are being staged in this summer and the next World Cup is in 2026.
FIFA has previously said the dates would be “harmoniously aligned with the international match calendar” to ensure sufficient rest for players ahead of the start of domestic leagues.
But FIFPRO and the WLA have are demanding the international calendar gets “immediately amended.”
As well as rescheduling the Club World Cup, they want to reopen discussions on the release periods for players from 2024-30 and review the “Intercontinental Cup,” which is effectively a replacement for the old Club World Cup, which was a short format event staged at the end of the year.
The letter warns legal action against FIFA could be considered if the governing body doesn't comply.
“Leagues and players cannot simply be expected to ‘adapt’ to FIFA’s decisions, which are driven by FIFA’s business strategy. We have reached the point where this situation must immediately be addressed both from a procedural and substantive perspective,” the letter said.
FIFPRO has become increasingly concerned about the physical and mental health of players in the face of growing demands.
Last season, Manchester United and Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes made 70 appearances for club and country, including a run of 20 consecutive games as a result of the World Cup in Qatar being staged midway through the campaign.
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri played in 10 different competitions.
There have been claims that such demands could lead to burnout, injuries and the premature curtailing of careers.
Concerns will hardly be alleviated by European soccer’s governing body UEFA changing the Champions League format from next season, with two additional games. The European Championship has also been expanded in recent years.
A report last year by FIFPRO analyzed the impact of what it described as “extreme calendar congestion.” It said 43% of World Cup players surveyed had experienced “extreme or increased mental fatigue.”
The Associated Press contacted FIFA for comment.
James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
FILE - FIFA President Ganni Infantino addresses the 78th Conmebol Congress in Luque, Paraguay, Thursday, April 11, 2024. FIFA has been told to reschedule its inaugural expanded Club World Cup just over a year before the tournament is due to be hosted by America. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File)
FILE -FIFA President Gianni Infantino walks on the stage before the start of the 69th FIFA congress in Paris, Wednesday, June 5, 2019. FIFA has been told to reschedule its inaugural expanded Club World Cup just over a year before the tournament is due to be hosted by America. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)
FILE - FIFA President Gianni Infantino, right, congratulates gives a medal to Real Madrid's Karim Benzema during the awarding ceremony of the FIFA Club World Cup final at Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat, Morocco, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. FIFA has been told to reschedule its inaugural expanded Club World Cup just over a year before the tournament is due to be hosted by America. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)
