Morten Thorsby urges Fifa to protect World Cup players from extreme heat
Norway midfielder Morten Thorsby has joined a group of professional footballers petitioning Fifa for stronger heat protection protocols ahead of the expanded World Cup in North America.
The 30-year-old warned that the entire sport suffers if world football’s governing body fails to properly safeguard athletes from soaring temperatures.
His intervention supports recent concerns raised by leading scientists regarding the safety of playing conditions across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Protecting the planet and player welfare
The Cremonese midfielder has campaigned on climate issues within the sport for more than a decade.
“It’s also a message to Fifa – they have to do more to take care of people and the planet.”
Thorsby told BBC Sport that the organisation holds a massive responsibility but is currently falling short in utilising its global influence.
Researchers recently predicted that temperatures at 14 of the 16 tournament stadiums could exceed dangerous levels.
The impact on the sporting spectacle
The Norwegian international is expected to feature at the upcoming tournament after his nation qualified for the first time in 28 years.
Fifa previously announced enhanced heat protocols, including mandatory three-minute cooling breaks in every half regardless of the weather conditions.
However, the players’ letter demands clearer guidelines for delaying or postponing matches in extreme climates.
“For the players, it’s an obvious problem of heat impacting the performance. Obviously the intensity of the game goes down.”
He added that the entertainment value of the sport diminishes significantly when athletes cannot perform at their peak.
Calling on high-profile voices
The petition features signatures from across the men’s and women’s game, including Italy defender Elena Linari and Ipswich Town forward Chuba Akpom.
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has also added his name to the growing movement.
“We need more high-profile players to join this debate.”
The founder of the We Play Green foundation acknowledged that increased public attention often makes players hesitant to speak out on controversial issues.
Despite these fears, the push for comprehensive environmental and welfare reforms continues to gather momentum ahead of the global showpiece.