Kylian Mbappé and La Liga president accuse FIFA of destroying the football ecosystem

A players’ union, the European Leagues Group and Spain’s La Liga have jointly filed a complaint against FIFA, alleging “abuses” regarding the governing body’s international match schedule. The complaint was filed with European Union antitrust regulators amid growing concerns about player welfare, with many athletes facing fatigue, injuries and mental strain despite their substantial salaries.

The complaint claims that FIFA’s control of the international calendar constitutes an abuse of a dominant position and violates EU law, according to FIFPRO Europe, the European leagues and LaLiga in a joint statement.

The European Leagues, an association that includes major leagues like the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1 – excluding La Liga – have expressed specific concerns about the new Club World Cup which is expected to take place next year. The tournament will span from seven to 32 clubs and is scheduled for nearly a month in the United States, potentially disrupting clubs’ pre-season tours aimed at boosting global fan engagement.

Premier League CEO Richard Masters said the situation had reached a “tipping point”, highlighting feedback from players who feel overwhelmed by the excessive number of matches.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has criticized FIFA for prioritizing its own interests while ignoring the wider impact on the football ecosystem.

In a video statement during a press conference organized by the three organizations, French captain Kylian Mbappé echoed these sentiments, saying: “When it’s too much, it’s too much.”

FIFA maintains, however, that the international calendar was established with input from representatives from all continents, including Europe, and in consultation with FIFPRO and various leagues.

In addition to the expanded Club World Cup, the next World Cup will also expand from 32 to 48 nations. UEFA also adjusted its calendar with a new Champions League format, but was not included in the current complaint, with FIFA considered responsible for the international calendar. Mathieu Moreuil, the Premier League’s director of international football relations and European affairs, noted that relations with UEFA are different due to the ongoing dialogue.

Earlier on Monday, FIFA announced it would begin negotiations with stakeholders regarding the transfer system after the EU deemed some parts illegal. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) recently ruled that FIFA rules requiring compensation for players who terminate their contracts without just cause are unlawful, suggesting a significant overhaul may be coming .