The top European football leagues, including the Premier League, and the global players’ union Fifpro are preparing to sue Fifa, accusing the world governing body of “abuse of dominance” in the sport.
The European Leagues, representing 39 leagues and 1,130 clubs across 33 countries, will file a complaint with the European Commission to safeguard player welfare amid mounting concerns over the expansion of the football calendar and its impact on athletes.
Fifpro, echoing these sentiments, stated that the current international calendar is overstretched, posing risks to player health and placing unsustainable burdens on national leagues.
“Fifa’s decisions have consistently prioritized its own tournaments and commercial interests, neglecting its role as a governing body and harming the economic interests of national leagues and player welfare,” Fifpro asserted.
The legal action follows Fifa’s refusal to involve national leagues and player unions in its decision-making processes despite calls for transparent consultations on matters affecting the international match calendar.
Notable members of the European Leagues, such as the English Football League, Scottish Professional Football League, Serie A, and Bundesliga, have joined forces in this legal challenge. La Liga, though not a member of the European Leagues, has pledged support for the initiative.
In response to the impending legal action, Fifa defended its position, arguing that the current calendar was unanimously approved by its council, which includes representatives from all continents. Fifa emphasized that its calendar ensures the coexistence and prosperity of international and club football.
The dispute has escalated as the football community grapples with issues of player workload and fixture congestion. A recent study by the CIES Football Observatory indicated that the average number of matches per club per season has remained relatively stable, with a minority of clubs exceeding 60 games annually.
This legal challenge against Fifa is the second in two months, with the PFA and European player unions filing a separate claim focusing on employment law and competition management issues.
Maheta Molango, CEO of the PFA and a Fifpro board member, expressed frustration over disregarding player concerns and warned of potential industrial action if the situation does not improve.
Analysts view the joint legal action by leagues and unions as a significant step towards reshaping the global football calendar, highlighting a united front against Fifa’s policies.
