In football, margins for success are razor-thin. Yet some of the biggest risks clubs face today have little to do with tactics or talent, they come from how technology is used, and the dangers of poor adoption and management.
From WhatsApp leaks to disputes over medical records, and in some cases lawsuits, recent headlines reveal how informal or fragmented practices can spiral into crises. For players, the risks mean compromised privacy and long-term health concerns. For clubs, they lead to reputational damage, operational gridlock, and legal exposure.
Stories from Flamengo to FC Barcelona underscore a simple truth: centralizing medical data and using secure communication channels isn’t just best practice, it’s essential.
Real-World Consequences
- Flamengo: A Leak That Cost More Than Privacy
As reported by OneFootball, Flamengo’s head of medical staff disclosed Nicolás De La Cruz’s “chronic and irreparable” knee injury in a WhatsApp group. The information leaked, triggering public scrutiny and ending in the doctor’s dismissal, a stark reminder of how informal channels can compromise both confidentiality and club integrity. - FC Barcelona: Medical Data at the Center
In August, The Athletic reported on a dispute between goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and FC Barcelona. After back surgery, he refused to release his medical report to LaLiga, blocking the club from registering new players under long-term injury rules. He was briefly stripped of the captaincy, only to be reinstated after signing authorization. The episode highlighted how the management of medical data can directly affect both club operations and player rights.
Why Informal Channels Fail
WhatsApp and other unregulated tools may seem convenient, but they expose clubs to serious risks:
- Ethical & Legal Pitfalls: No accountability, no compliance with athlete privacy or data-protection rules.
- GDPR Concerns: Sharing health data outside secure systems risks major breaches and legal action.
- Fragmented Records: Scattered messages lead to lost or incomplete medical histories.
- Coordination Failures: Without structure, communication across medical, coaching, and legal teams breaks down.
How Teamworks Protects Players and Clubs
Teamworks AMS provides a secure, centralized, and compliant platform for managing athlete medical and performance data:
- Unified Record Keeping: One complete, accessible history, no more scattered notes or insecure messages.
- Access Controls & Audit Trails: Only authorized staff can view or update records, with every change tracked.
- Athlete Empowerment: Players control and review their data, promoting trust and transparency.
- Compliance Built In: Documentation supports GDPR and other data regulations.
- Proactive Risk Management: Longitudinal tracking identifies health trends early, reducing long-term risks.
Paired with Teamworks Hub, clubs gain secure communication and cross-department coordination, ensuring medical, performance, and legal teams operate in sync.
In Summary
From leaked WhatsApp messages to legal disputes, these stories reveal a fundamental truth: informal handling of sensitive medical data puts everyone at risk.
Teamworks Hub & Teamworks AMS aren’t just conveniences, they’re essential shields, helping clubs protect athlete privacy, ensure compliance, strengthen performance, and preserve organizational integrity.
Reduce risks with Teamworks, contact us today.