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Complaint Filed with EU Regulators
On October 14, 2024, several major football organizations, including the European players’ union FIFPRO Europe, the European Leagues association, and Spain’s LaLiga, filed a joint complaint with European Union antitrust regulators. The complaint accuses FIFA of abusing its dominance in controlling the international football match schedule. These organizations argue that FIFA’s decisions regarding the ever-expanding football calendar are negatively impacting player wellbeing and violating EU competition laws.
Growing Concerns Over Player Wellbeing
Top European leagues, such as the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 (though notably excluding LaLiga), are increasingly alarmed by the strain the packed schedule places on players. Despite high salaries, many elite footballers are suffering from fatigue, injuries, and the psychological toll of continuous play. The growing number of matches, they argue, is unsustainable.
Premier League CEO Richard Masters voiced these concerns, saying, “It is getting to a tipping point. The feedback from players is that there is too much football, and expansion is constant.”
Club World Cup Expansion Fuels Frustration
A key point of contention is the upcoming expansion of the FIFA Club World Cup, which will grow from seven to 32 teams in 2025. The tournament, set to be hosted in the U.S. over almost a month, threatens to push club schedules to their limits and could interfere with pre-season tours aimed at boosting international fan engagement.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas criticized FIFA, accusing the organization of acting in its own interest without considering the broader impact on football. “FIFA is making decisions without taking into account the damage being done to the entire football ecosystem,” he stated.
Mbappe Adds His Voice
Kylian Mbappe, captain of the French national team, shared his perspective in a video shown at the complainants’ press conference. “When it’s too much, it’s too much,” he remarked, highlighting the growing frustration among top players.
FIFA’s Response and Expanding Tournaments
FIFA maintains that the international match calendar was approved after consulting representatives from all continents, including Europe, and engaging with FIFPRO and the leagues. In addition to the expanded Club World Cup, the next FIFA World Cup will grow from 32 to 48 nations, further intensifying the global football schedule.
Interestingly, UEFA, Europe’s governing football body, has also expanded its competition schedule but was not named in the complaint. According to Mathieu Moreuil, the Premier League’s director of international football relations, FIFA is specifically responsible for the international calendar, while relations with UEFA are more collaborative.
EU Ruling on Player Contracts
In a separate development, the European Court of Justice (CJEU) recently ruled against FIFA’s regulations on player contracts, specifically addressing compensation when players terminate contracts early. The ruling, connected to former French player Lassana Diarra, deemed certain FIFA rules unlawful, which is likely to lead to significant changes in the transfer system.
This series of complaints and rulings signals a growing tension between FIFA, football clubs, and players as the sport grapples with the demands of an ever-expanding schedule.
