FIFPRO and European leagues file complaint against FIFA over congested football calendar | OneFootball

A coalition of European football leagues and player unions has filed a formal complaint against FIFA.

They claim that the governing body’s international match calendar is unsustainable and harmful to the sport.

The complaint has been filed with the European Commission. They argue that FIFA’s decisions on the international match calendar, including the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, violate European Union competition law.

The coalition includes FIFPRO Europe and major European leagues. They say FIFA’s actions have led to an oversaturated calendar that risks player safety, threatens the economic viability of domestic leagues and makes the sport unenjoyable for fans.

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

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

“The current football calendar is simply unsustainable,” said David Terrier, president of FIFPRO Europe. “Players are being pushed to their limits, and the quality of the sport is suffering as a result.”

The complaint comes amid growing concerns about the impact of the packed football calendar on player health and wellbeing. Many players have complained about the mental and physical strain of playing too many matches.

Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk, World Cup winner Raphael Varane, Aston Villa captain John McGinn, Manchester City skipper Kevin De Bruyne, and several other stars have joined the growing chorus of discontent about the congested football calendar.

Man City midfielder Rodri said players could strike to force FIFA’s hand. However, those threats fell on deaf ears before he suffered a season-ending injury, re-emphasising his point about the impact of these games on player bodies.

“It is getting to a tipping point,” the Chief Executive Officer of the Premier League, Richard Masters, said.

“The feedback we have from players is that there is too much football being played, and there is constant expansion.”