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Football players’ unions and league representatives in Europe have lodged a complaint with the European Commission, accusing FIFA of abusing its dominant position regarding recent changes to the international match calendar and tournament expansions. The complaint was jointly filed by FIFPro Europe, the European Leagues body, and Spain’s La Liga.
The organisations claim that FIFA’s dual role as a governing body and competition organiser creates a conflict of interest. “FIFA’s imposition of decisions on the international calendar is an abuse of dominance and violates EU law,” they said during a press conference held in Brussels.
FIFPro is the global players’ union, while the European Leagues association represents over one thousand clubs across 33 countries, including the English Premier League and the leagues in Italy, Germany, and France. La Liga, however, joined the complaint separately.
The groups referenced recent European court decisions related to the Super League and the Lassana Diarra case, arguing that FIFA’s actions negatively impact the economic interests of national leagues and compromise the health and safety of players in European football. They stressed that the legal challenge is necessary to safeguard the sector.
FIFA has faced criticism for not consulting with key stakeholders regarding changes like the introduction of an expanded 32-team Club World Cup. The first edition of this enlarged tournament is scheduled to take place in the United States in June and July next year, involving 12 European clubs. This event will require many of Europe’s top players to participate during a period typically reserved for their off-season break, one year before the expanded 48-team World Cup in North America.
FIFPro’s recent report accused football’s governing bodies of endangering players’ health by overloading the match calendar. Some prominent players have even suggested the possibility of striking in protest against the increased demands placed on them. Domestic league representatives have also expressed concerns that their competitions will suffer as top players miss more matches to rest, impacting their brand value.
In response, FIFA previously dismissed the criticism, accusing leagues of prioritising their commercial interests.
