The global players’ union FIFPRO says there has been a sharp rise in the number of players reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety since the sport was brought to a standstill by the COVID-19 outbreak.

FIFPRO said that 22% of women players and 13% of men players who took part in a survey reported symptoms “consistent with a diagnosis of depression” such as lack of interest, lack of appetite, lack of energy and self-esteem.

This compared to 11% and 6% respectively in a similar survey conducted in December and January.

It said that 18% of women players and 16% of men reported symptoms of generalised anxiety such as worry or tension. There was some crossover with 11% of women players and 7.5% of men reporting both sets of symptoms, FIFPRO said.

“In football, suddenly young men and women athletes are having to cope with social isolation, a suspension of their working lives and doubts about their future,” said FIFPRO’s chief medical officer Vincent Gouttebarge.

“It is a time of huge uncertainty for the players and their families due to the insecurity of their future and the social isolation.”

FIFPRO said that the survey, conducted with the Amsterdam University Medical Centre, included 1 134 male players, with a mean age of 26, and 468 female players, with a mean age of 23, in 16 countries.