PFA leader Maheta Molango criticized congested schedules after several players, including Cole Palmer, withdrew from international duty. BongdaPlus cited his remarks at the FIFPRO and Cleveland Clinic performance and health summit in London.

Molango argued that players face competing club and national-team demands and should not have their commitment questioned simply because they need recovery. His comments concern workload and player welfare; they are not a medical finding establishing the specific cause of each injury.