Football: EU Complaint filed against FIFA

An unprecedented legal complaint has been filed at the European Commission (EC) against the World Governing Body of Association Football, FIFA, alleging abuse of its dominant position regarding the international football calendar.

The complaint has been made by the top 39 European Leagues, including the English Premier Leagues, the Spanish La Liga and the European branch of FIFPro, the world-wide players’ union.

The complainants allege that the international football calendar has become “overloaded and unworkable” and that they have not been consulted by FIFA when expanding its competitions.

This has led, they claim, to football players being overworked and unable to take meaningful breaks between seasons.

FIFPro commented that:

“FIFA’s decisions over the last years have repeatedly favoured its own competitions and commercial interests, neglected its responsibilities as a governing body, and harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the welfare of players.”

Whilst FIFA has stated that FIFPro and the World League Association have been consulted about changes to the 2025-2030 international match calendar, including the 2025 Club World Cup.

And FIFA added that it is:

“fully within our rights to set the parameters of our competitions whilst respecting the regulatory framework in place.”

The EC will open a preliminary investigation and consult with FIFA, FIFPro and the European Leagues, which will take around twelve months. Then, the EC will decide whether to open a formal investigation.

 

By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw