FIFPRO and European leagues file suit against FIFA over congested football calendar

A coalition of European football leagues and players’ unions has filed a formal complaint against FIFA. They say the governing body’s international match schedule is unsustainable and harms the sport.

The complaint was filed with the European Commission. They argue that FIFA’s decisions regarding the international match calendar, including the expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup, violate European Union competition law.

The coalition includes FIFPRO Europe, the European leagues and La Liga, saying FIFA’s actions have led to an oversaturated calendar that endangers player safety, threatens the economic viability of national leagues and makes the sport unenjoyable for the fans.

This complaint goes against FIFA’s position as a competition organizer and governing body as it creates a conflict of interest.

The coalition also accuses FIFA of failing to meaningfully collaborate with players and leagues in the decision-making process regarding the match schedule.

“The current football calendar is simply untenable,” said David Terrier, president of FIFPRO Europe. “Players are pushed to their limits and the quality of the sport suffers. »

The complaint comes amid growing concerns about the impact of a busy football schedule on the health and well-being of players. Many players complain about the mental and physical strain of playing so many matches.

Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk, World Cup winner Raphael Varane, Aston Villa captain John McGinn, Manchester City and Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne and several other stars have learned to express themselves within of the growing chorus around the crowded football calendar.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri says players could strike to force FIFA’s hand. However, these threats fell on deaf ears before he suffered a season-ending injury, again underscoring his views on the impact of these games on players’ bodies.

We are seeing an increase in short-term and long-term injuries, and it is not an exaggeration to attribute this to the increasing number of games.

“We are reaching a critical point,” said Premier League CEO Richard Masters. “The feedback we have from players is that we are playing too much football and that there is constant expansion.”

Lega Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo said: “Serie A, like almost all other European leagues, over the last 20 years, has not increased the number of matches. On the contrary, FIFA and UEFA, cycle after cycle, have consistently increased the size of their competitions, both for clubs and national teams, and we have now reached a saturation point in the calendar.