Football Players and Leagues Challenge FIFA Over Match Schedule Changes

In a significant move, football players and leagues have lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission, seeking intervention against FIFA's plans to alter the international match schedule. The complaint, spearheaded by the world football players union FIFPRO Europe and the European Leagues, highlights concerns over the health of elite players, who are reportedly suffering due to an increasingly congested match calendar. FIFA's recent decision to introduce an expanded Club World Cup in 2025 has intensified these concerns. The complaint alleges that FIFA has violated EU competition rules and abused its dominant position by implementing changes without adequate consultation with national leagues and player representatives. In a joint statement, FIFPRO Europe and the European Leagues expressed frustration over FIFA's refusal to establish a transparent and fair process for the international match calendar, which they claim has become "beyond saturation" and poses health risks to players. FIFA, however, defended its actions, stating that its calendar is essential for the survival and prosperity of international football alongside domestic leagues. The organization accused some European leagues of acting out of self-interest and hypocrisy, arguing that FIFA's role is to safeguard the interests of football globally, including player welfare. In a previous communication, FIFPRO and the World Leagues Association threatened legal action against FIFA unless it agreed to reschedule the Club World Cup and pause the Intercontinental Cup tournament until a comprehensive agreement could be reached. The ongoing dispute underscores the growing tensions between football's governing bodies and the leagues and players they represent.