Football: EU Complaint filed against FIFA
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
An unprecedented legal complaint has been filed at the European Commission against the World Governing Body of Association Football, FIFA, on the ground of 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, together with 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, it is claimed, to football players having been overworked and unable to take meaningful breaks between seasons.
FIFPro has 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.”
On the other hand, FIFA has insisted 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 has added that it is:
“fully within our rights to set the parameters of our competitions whilst respecting the regulatory framework in place.”
It is now expected that the European Commission will open a preliminary investigation and consult with FIFA, FIFPro and the European Leagues, which will take around twelve months, and then decide whether or not to open a formal investigation.
One thing, however, is for sure: there is never a dull moment in football!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
