FIFA faces antitrust complaint over player health risks in Europe

In October 2024, a coalition of European football leagues and the players' representative body FIFPRO Europe announced plans to file a complaint with the European Union's antitrust regulators regarding FIFA's international match calendar. This decision follows a recent ruling by Europe's top court that found FIFA's player transfer rules to be in violation of EU laws. The complaint highlights concerns over the packed football calendar, which has been deemed unsustainable for national leagues and poses health risks to players. Reports indicate that many players are experiencing burnout due to excessive workloads, with some having as little as 12 percent of the year for rest. FIFPRO's research revealed that a significant percentage of players are exceeding medical recommendations for match participation, raising alarms about their well-being. The complaint underscores a growing trend among athletes and sports organizations to seek intervention from EU regulators to challenge the authority of governing bodies like FIFA. FIFPRO's director emphasized the widening gap between those who schedule international competitions and the players who endure the consequences. The report also predicts that certain players may face an even heavier match load in the coming seasons due to the expansion of competitions. FIFA has defended its match calendar, asserting that it was approved after extensive consultation with stakeholders, including FIFPRO and league bodies. The ongoing debate reflects broader concerns about player welfare and the sustainability of the current football structure.