The World Cup in Qatar led to an increase in the severity of injuries in Europe’s biggest championships

According to a study published by Howden Insurance Group, international players who participated in the 2022 World Cup spent an average of eight days more on the bench due to injuries in the months following the competition.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup has led to an increase in the severity of injuries among players in the five biggest championships in Europe, according to a study published by Howden Insurance Group, Monday, November 20. The English Premier League and the Bundesliga in Germany were the leagues that were most affected by injuries.

While the world of football is wondering about the relevance of repeating the experience of organizing a World Cup in the heart of winter, the consequences on the players’ bodies seem harmful, if we are to believe this third study of its kind. This report comes one year after the competition.

Eight more days on the bench

International players who participated in the World Cup in Qatar spent an average of eight days longer on the sidelines due to injuries in the months following the competition, the study found.

“In October 2022, 88 injuries resulted in players being out of action for an average of 11.35 days before the World Cup, compared to 19.41 days in January 2023 after the tournament”, says Howden. After the World Cup in Qatar, ankle injuries increased by 170%, calf and shin injuries by 200% and hamstring injuries by 130%.

The English and German championships more affected

The Premier League and Bundesliga, which accounted for 23.6% and 14.8% of the players participating in the World Cup respectively, recorded 49 injuries and 46 injuries across the Rhine. This is significantly more than La Liga (18), Ligue 1 (11) and Serie A (12). The insurance group points out that the break imposed in Germany after the World Cup (resumed on January 20) had no effect on the health of the players.

Still according to Howden’s study, nearly 44% of players licensed in the five European championships and present in Qatar felt psychological wear and tear after the event and 23% mental fatigue.

Finally, an increase in the severity of injuries also means an increase in costs. They climbed by almost 30%, from 553.62 million euros to 704.89 million euros in the Top 5 of the European championships.