Joint Legal Action Against FIFA
European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe have announced their intention to file a complaint with EU antitrust regulators against FIFA’s international match calendar. This move escalates the ongoing conflict with FIFA regarding the scheduling of international matches.
Background of the Complaint
Last month, player unions from England, France, and Italy initiated legal action against FIFA in a Brussels commercial court over the same issue. The forthcoming complaint to the European Commission, which serves as the EU’s competition authority, will be submitted in the coming weeks.
Concerns Over Player Health and League Sustainability
European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe argue that the international match calendar is overly congested, posing sustainability challenges for national leagues and health risks for players. They claim that the calendar has reached an unsustainable level of saturation.
FIFA’s Response
FIFA has defended the current calendar, stating it was unanimously approved by the FIFA Council after comprehensive consultations involving FIFPRO and league bodies. A FIFA spokesperson emphasized the necessity of the calendar for the survival and prosperity of international football alongside domestic and continental club football. The spokesperson accused some European leagues of acting out of commercial self-interest and hypocrisy.
Allegations of Conflict of Interest
The complainants assert that FIFA’s actions have consistently favored its own competitions and commercial interests, neglecting its responsibilities as a governing body. They argue that FIFA’s dual role as both the global regulator of football and a competition organizer constitutes a conflict of interest, violating EU competition laws and amounting to an abuse of dominance.
Recent Changes to the Match Calendar
FIFA has faced criticism for making unilateral changes to the match calendar, including the introduction of a 32-team Club World Cup. The first edition of this expanded tournament will take place in the United States in June and July next year, involving 12 European clubs. This scheduling decision has raised concerns as it coincides with a period traditionally reserved for players’ rest, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will feature an expanded format with 104 matches instead of the traditional 64 games.
Looking Ahead
The forthcoming complaint to the European Commission marks a significant step in the dispute between European football organizations and FIFA. The outcome could have major implications for the governance and scheduling of international football.