The International Federation of Professional Footballers confirmed Monday that there has been a significant increase in the number of players who have reported suffering symptoms of depression or anxiety since the activity was interrupted by the pandemic Corona virus.

The federation said that 22% of the players and 13% of the players who participated in the opinion poll reported symptoms of "depression", such as lack of interest, apathy, loss of appetite, lack of energy, and lack of self-esteem.

This is compared to a similar poll conducted last December and January, and showed that the percentages were 11% for women players and 6% for players.

The federation added that 18% of the players and 16% of the players reported symptoms of general anxiety, such as stress.

"In football all of a sudden young men and women must deal with social isolation and stop their work, given doubts about the resumption of activity," said Vincent Gutenberg, chief physician of the federation.

 "Everyone suffers from future uncertainty for the players and their families because of the lack of security about their future and social isolation," he added.

The Professional Players Association said that the survey, conducted by the Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, included 1134 players, with an average age of 26 years, and 468 players with an average age of 23 years, in 16 countries.