The global players' union FIFPRO and the European Leagues organization have taken legal action against FIFA on Monday. They filed a complaint with the European Commission in Brussels regarding the match calendar.
The legal action taken by FIFPRO and the European Leagues against FIFA marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between football’s governing bodies and stakeholders at both national and international levels.
Central to this dispute is the accusation that FIFA has been exploiting its dominant position within the sport, acting as both the regulator and a key commercial player. This dual role, according to the complaint, has led to decisions being made that serve FIFA’s financial interests, while excluding other important stakeholders, such as players and domestic leagues, from the decision-making process.
At the heart of the issue is the expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams in 2026, and the introduction of a new Club World Cup set to begin in 2025. These moves, designed to generate additional revenue for FIFA, have sparked outrage among national leagues and players, who argue that the increased number of games is placing undue stress on both players' physical health and the economic stability of domestic competitions. The expanded World Cup will require more matchdays, increasing the already congested calendar, while the new Club World Cup adds another high-stakes tournament for elite clubs, further straining resources and player availability.
FIFPRO, the global players' union, has been vocal in its criticism of the overcrowded match calendar, which they argue has significant repercussions for player welfare. The organization points to the growing number of injuries and the mental and physical toll on footballers who are being asked to play more matches in shorter periods of time. Recently, tensions have reached a boiling point, with several top players openly discussing the possibility of strikes to protest the unsustainable demands being placed on them. FIFPRO’s argument centers around the idea that without proper consideration of player health and recovery time, the expansion of international tournaments will have long-term negative effects on athletes’ careers.
In addition to the concerns raised by the players, domestic leagues across Europe, including the Eredivisie, have expressed fears that the increasing number of international fixtures will erode the integrity and financial viability of national competitions. The influx of international matches risks overshadowing domestic leagues, which rely heavily on fan engagement, television rights, and sponsorship deals to maintain financial stability. With top players being pulled away to fulfill international commitments more frequently, the quality and competitiveness of national leagues could suffer. This, in turn, could destabilize the domestic football ecosystem, as smaller leagues struggle to compete with the growing prominence of international tournaments organized by FIFA.
FIFPRO and the European Leagues have been meticulous in preparing their legal challenge. Before filing the complaint with the European Commission, they sought extensive legal advice and consulted with leading experts in competition law. Their goal is to highlight what they see as an abuse of FIFA's regulatory power and to seek intervention from the European authorities to curb FIFA’s influence over the global football schedule.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has already intervened in similar cases, underscoring the seriousness of the current challenge. In two recent rulings, the ECJ has sided against the footballing authorities. The first, involving UEFA, saw the court rule against the governing body in the Super League case. UEFA had tried to block the creation of the breakaway competition, but the ECJ determined that it had acted unfairly in doing so. The second ruling came against FIFA, relating to the case of Lassana Diarra, where the ECJ ruled that FIFA’s current transfer system may need to be reformed. These rulings have set a precedent, and both FIFPRO and the European Leagues are hopeful that their complaint against FIFA’s expansion plans will receive a similarly favorable judgment.
The outcome of this legal action could have far-reaching consequences for the future of football. If successful, it may limit FIFA’s ability to unilaterally expand competitions and force the governing body to include more stakeholders in its decision-making processes. It could also lead to greater protections for players, ensuring that their health and well-being are prioritized over commercial interests. On the other hand, if FIFA prevails, it could solidify its control over the global football calendar, further entrenching its position as both regulator and commercial operator.
