FIFA and European Leagues Clash Over International Match Calendar

The conflict between FIFA and European football authorities has escalated as the European Leagues and FIFPRO announced they are taking their dispute over the international match calendar to the European Commission.

The European Leagues and the players' union are challenging FIFA's international match schedule, arguing it is oversaturated and unsustainable for national leagues, posing risks to players' health. They plan to file a formal complaint with the EU antitrust authorities in the coming weeks.

FIFA defended its calendar, emphasising that it was unanimously approved by the FIFA Council, which includes representatives from all continents, including Europe, following an inclusive consultation process involving FIFPRO and league governing bodies. In a statement, FIFA asserted, "The FIFA calendar is the only tool that ensures international football can continue to survive, co-exist, and thrive alongside national and continental club football."

The governing body accused some European leagues of prioritising commercial interests, preferring a schedule filled with friendlies and global summer tours. FIFA stated, "FIFA must protect the general interests of world football, including the protection of players at all levels of the game."

This move follows legal action taken by footballers' unions in England, France, and Italy against FIFA over the same issue in a Brussels commercial court last month. The European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe claim that FIFA's recent decisions have favored its own competitions and commercial interests, neglecting its responsibilities as a governing body.

The complaint alleges that FIFA's conduct violates EU competition law, constituting an abuse of a dominant position. "FIFA's dual role as a global football regulator and match organizer creates a conflict of interest," they argued.

In a notable decision last year, FIFA announced that the 2025 Club World Cup, to be hosted in the US, would feature 104 matches instead of the traditional 64, due to its expanded format with 48 participating teams.

(Source: Amna)