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The Premier League, alongside the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), has initiated legal action against FIFA, claiming that the organization is abusing its influential position in the football world. The lawsuit is supported by other European leagues and unions, which contend that FIFA has made unilateral decisions regarding the international match calendar, leading to a situation they describe as “beyond saturation.” This complaint has been brought to the attention of the European Commission by the collective organizations European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe.
The allegations suggest that FIFA’s actions have adversely affected the economic interests of national leagues and the well-being of players. Critics assert that FIFA’s dual role as both a regulatory body and competition organizer presents a conflict of interest. In response, FIFA has dismissed these claims, stating that certain leagues are acting hypocritically.
One of the central issues at the heart of the dispute is FIFA’s lack of consultation prior to implementing recent changes to the match calendar, including the launch of a 32-team Club World Cup.
‘Legal action the only responsible step’
The statement issued by European leagues and unions emphasized that the current state of the international match calendar is unsustainable and poses health risks to players. They expressed concerns that FIFA’s recent decisions have primarily served its own commercial interests while neglecting its responsibilities as the sport’s governing body.
“National leagues and player unions cannot accept unilaterally decided global regulations,” the statement noted. It further indicated that pursuing legal action became a necessary measure for protecting the integrity of football and its workforce against FIFA’s unilateral approaches.
Drawing on the precedent set by the European Court of Justice’s ruling regarding the Super League last December, the leagues and unions argue that FIFA’s recent actions do not align with regulatory principles of transparency and proportionality.
‘Some leagues acting with hypocrisy’
A representative from FIFA responded by highlighting that the current calendar received unanimous approval from the FIFA Council, which includes delegates from various continents, including Europe. They emphasized that FIFA’s calendar is essential for the coexistence of international, domestic, and continental club football.
FIFA criticized European leagues for allegedly prioritizing their commercial self-interests over the broader health of global football, suggesting that these leagues prefer a calendar filled with friendlies rather than competitive fixtures.
“FIFA’s mandate is to safeguard the interests of football worldwide, including player welfare at all levels,” the spokesperson stated.
‘Big decisions being made without proper consultation’
PFA Chief Executive Maheta Molango articulated that the necessity for legal action arose from the consistent disregard of major stakeholders like leagues and players. He pointed out that decisions made about the fixture calendar significantly affect players’ careers and the structure of leagues.
Molango referred to the significant alterations in the FA Cup as a direct consequence of the expanding footprint of international competitions. He explained that upcoming changes, such as the rescheduling of the African Cup of Nations due to FIFA’s recently expanded Club World Cup, highlight the mounting pressures exerted on national leagues and clubs.
Union representatives have communicated with FIFA, indicating their intention to seek legal remedies. Last month, the PFA, in cooperation with FIFPRO Europe and the French players’ union, filed a lawsuit in Belgium to assess whether FIFA has violated players’ rights as outlined in EU law.
The complaint was joined by Spain’s LaLiga, which operates independently from the European Leagues association. The English Football League (EFL) and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) are part of European Leagues’ membership.
While the Premier League has not issued an independent statement regarding the recent complaint, its chief executive, Richard Masters, acknowledged the rising tensions at a FIFPRO event in May, noting that decisions from international and regional bodies are creating significant disarray in the football calendar.
He expressed frustration over the lack of responsive dialogue, adding that the ongoing situation has reached a tipping point where stakeholders increasingly feel unheard, culminating in a call for more accountable governance in professional football.
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