Premier League players hesitant to advocate for sustainability in the face of climate change

Climate change is having a clear effect on football, but the sport’s leading stars are yet to fully harness their platform to campaign for sustainability strategies. Premier League players, in particular, are hesitant to speak out on the issue, fearing backlash and accusations of hypocrisy.

David Wheeler, the PFA’s sustainability champion, has been working to unite players and clubs concerned about the impact of climate change on football. Despite positive responses to his workshops, there is still a reluctance among players to take a stand. Wheeler believes that stereotypes around top-level players, such as driving gas-guzzling cars and taking short-haul flights, could undermine the sustainability message.

While there are notable examples of players like Hector Bellerin, Eric Dier, and others who are passionate environmentalists, Wheeler notes that it is female players who are leading the way in this movement. The gender split in attendance at his workshops was clear, with women showing more engagement on the issue.

Wheeler is campaigning to embed environmental sustainability in clubs as part of the incoming Football Governance Bill and sees the unhappiness about the fixture schedule as a potential stepping stone for the movement. He emphasizes the overlap between protecting the welfare of players and the planet, highlighting the benefits of working towards a more sustainable future for everyone.

Ultimately, the power of athletes speaking out on climate change is significant, and Wheeler believes that if a collective group of players and athletes come together on this issue, it will be hard to ignore. The time is now for football’s leading stars to use their platform to advocate for sustainability strategies and make a real difference in the fight against climate change.