- After the sudden deaths of two Czech footballers in 2018, the union launched an initiative focused on mental health issues
- A 24-hour helpline, which is connected with a network of psychologists led by Dr. Dusan Randak, provides dedicated support for Czech-based players or Czech footballers playing abroad
- Antonin Fantis shares his story of how reaching out to the union helped him during a very difficult period in his life
Of the many services Czech player union CAFH offers to footballers, their mental health support is arguably the most impactful.
In 2018, after the sudden deaths of two Czech footballers playing abroad, the union launched their Čistá Hlava – Clear Mind – initiative to generate more education around mental health and to tackle stigmas associated with it in Czechia.
"It was a taboo subject in our society a couple of years ago. While it is getting better, there is still some way to go in Czechia," said CAFH’s Chairperson Marketa Vochoska Haindlova.
"The core message we want to get across is that it is common for footballers to experience stress, anxiety or depression, and that seeking help is not a weakness – it takes strength to open up and talk about it. Looking after your mind as a footballer is just as important as your physical health."
Respected names of Czech football have also reinforced that message, including 80-time international Vladimir Smicer. A Champions League winner in 2005 with Liverpool, Smicer was one of several Czech athletes to appear in Clear Mind’s launch video to promote mental health awareness.
Smicer, CAFH’s Honorary Chairperson and a member of the union’s executive board, has been encouraging players to be more open about mental health.
"When he tells his personal story of when he was at Liverpool and there were obligatory sessions with psychologists or mental health coaches, he mentions also how much better he felt after every session," said Vochoska Haindlova.
“So when the players see someone like Vladimir who achieved a lot in his career, saying that it was always beneficial for him to have that experience and talk openly, it really helps.”
CAFH’s psychologist making a difference
A core component of the union’s mental health services is a 24-hour helpline dedicated to providing support for Czech-based footballers or Czech footballers playing abroad. According to CAFH, an average of five players per month reach out to the helpline.
The helpline is connected to a network of psychologists led by Dr Dusan Randak, a mental health professional with extensive experience in sport having previously worked with the Czech national baseball and ice hockey teams.
Dr Randak has become a familiar face amongst players, frequently accompanying the union on their visits to locker rooms or at CAFH events such as the summer training camp, which has helped with introductions and building trust with the players.
"Generally we’ve found that once a group of players meet Dr Randak in person, at least one of them will reach out to him, whether via the hotline or online," said Vochoska Haindlova.
The union is well aware that some players struggling with their mental health might feel reluctant to call the helpline, which is why they also encourage team-mates and family members to reach out on someone’s behalf.
"They can also call to get basic information on how they can help a player or clear next steps if it is a critical situation," said Vochoska Haindlova. "Most of the time it is the team-mates who are the closest and can see when something is not right."
AntonIn FantiS reached out and got the support he needed
After making his senior debut at the age of 16, Antonin Fantis spent over 15 seasons in Czech football – playing in the top-flight for clubs such as Pribram, Banik Ostrava, Jablonec and Zlin. In the summer of 2024, aged 32, the winger signed for a Romanian club, playing outside of his homeland for the first time.
At first, Fantis' Romanian odyssey was going well; he finished pre-season as the club’s top goalscorer. But just a couple of months after his move, Fantis was rocked by the devastating news of a close family member dying after a tragic accident in the mountains. Fantis returned to Czechia for five days to be with his family.
"As I was the only man in the family, it was down to me to give them support and strength during a very difficult time. While I was struggling inside, I needed to be strong for my family," said Fantis.
Once back in Romania, feeling physically and mentally drained, Fantis' form understandably dropped – "it was like a switch" – and he soon lost his place in the starting XI and eventually the matchday squad. Things went from bad to worse for Fantis when he did not receive his salary for three-and-a-half months and was also forced to train on his own by his club.
Feeling isolated and overwhelmed, Fantis showed strength by reaching out to the player union who put him in touch with Dr Randak directly. “The first call was an hour long and it helped me a lot,” he said.
Having started his senior career 17 years ago, Fantis feels attitudes towards mental health in Czechia have changed for the better over the course of that time.
"More players are certainly using the services of mental health coaches and experts nowadays and it’s seen less of a weakness when I first started playing professionally," said Fantis. "As players, there is constant pressure to show strength and we’re conditioned not to show vulnerability, meaning it’s difficult to see what’s really going on inside a player’s head.
"It’s incredibly beneficial for players that CAFH offers this service. If you’re a player who is struggling, the help is there. It’s important to talk."
