The Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) have joined forces with other European domestic leagues and unions to sue FIFA, alleging abuse of its dominant position. They claim that FIFA has made “unilateral decisions” regarding the international match calendar, leading to an unsustainable schedule, according to a joint complaint to the European Commission by European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe.
These bodies argue that FIFA’s actions have “harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the welfare of players.” They assert that FIFA’s dual role as a regulator and competition organizer is a conflict of interest.
FIFA has responded to the complaint, accusing certain leagues of “hypocrisy” in its own statement.
Accusations Against FIFA
The leagues and unions claim that recent changes to the match calendar, such as the introduction of a 32-team Club World Cup, were made without proper consultation. They state, “The international match calendar is now beyond saturation and has become unsustainable for national leagues and a risk for the health of players.”
They further argue that FIFA’s decisions have prioritized its own competitions and commercial interests, neglected its responsibilities as a governing body, and damaged the economic interests of national leagues and the welfare of players. The complaint references a European Court of Justice ruling from last December, which required FIFA and other governing bodies to be transparent, objective, non-discriminatory, and proportionate in their regulatory functions. The leagues and unions allege that FIFA’s conduct does not meet these standards.
Legal Action and Its Implications
PFA chief executive Maheta Molango emphasized that legal action is a necessary step due to the significant stakeholders in football – the leagues and players – being ignored. He cited recent changes to the FA Cup’s structure, forced by the expansion of international competitions, as an example of the negative impact on players.
Molango noted that the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) had to be rescheduled due to FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, leading to AFCON being played during the European season. This change, he said, affects national leagues, clubs, and players directly and unexpectedly.
“These major decisions are being made without proper consultation or negotiation,” Molango stated. “It’s just not tenable to continue arguing that this approach to the fixture calendar is working. Eventually, players will break. It has to stop.”
Previous Warnings and Broader Support
Unions and leagues had warned FIFA in May that they were seeking legal advice. In June, the PFA, along with FIFPRO Europe and the French players’ union UNFP, initiated legal action in the Belgian courts to determine if FIFA’s actions breached players’ rights under EU law.
LaLiga, which is not a member of European Leagues, has joined the new complaint. The EFL and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) are among the European Leagues’ members. While the Premier League has not commented separately on Tuesday’s complaint, its chief executive Richard Masters addressed the issue at a FIFPRO event in May, expressing frustration over the lack of harmony in the match calendar and the feeling of not being listened to.
FIFA’s Response
A FIFA spokesperson defended the current calendar, stating it was unanimously approved by the FIFA Council, which includes representatives from all continents, including Europe. The spokesperson argued that FIFA’s calendar is essential 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” and criticized them for favoring a calendar filled with friendlies and summer tours involving extensive global travel. In contrast, FIFA claims to protect the overall interests of world football, including player protection at all levels.
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