The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) – the main international federation for professional players – and those in charge of European leagues filed a complaint with the European Commission on Monday, targeting FIFA. Among the various reasons that led to this situation, the competitive overload on the calendar stands out, especially with regard to national team competitions and the Club World Cup.
At a press conference in Brussels, representatives of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFPro) considered the management of the FIFA calendar, which supervises international football and, at the same time, determines the organization of competitions, illegal, without dialogue with the “social partners.”
“FIFA has used its power to promote its commercial interests at the expense of social partners. In this context, the involvement of representatives of players’ associations and associations in the decision-making process is essential.
Therefore, the complainants are aware that these actions are unlawful under EU competition law.
“A saturated international calendar puts the safety and well-being of players at risk, threatening the economic and social sustainability of important competitions. They stressed that FIFA's rules and conduct still fall far short of what European Union law requires.
Richard Masters, the Premier League's chief executive, joins the critical chorus: “We have reached a critical point. The Premier League has not changed its shape. What has changed in recent decades is the burden of international competitions.”
In a similar context, the President of the Spanish League, one of the main collaborators with FIFAPro in this process, confirmed that FIFA had reduced room for maneuver.
“It is clear that federations and leagues agree in protecting national competitions and players, who are increasingly exposed to the negative impact of a crowded calendar. By introducing new formats and expanding competitions unilaterally, FIFA is acting in its own interest, without considering the harms,” said Javier Tebas.
Finally, FIFA official David Terrier provided the summary: “FIFA refuses to listen to players, the essential assets of this industry. They push their bodies to the limits. On countless visits to resorts, we received the same complaints. Athletes play a lot and do not have time to recover. “Many decided to speak out, with the same message: Enough is enough.”
The presidents of the major leagues in Italy, the Netherlands, Scotland, Norway and Belgium are also part of this complaint.
Taking advantage of FIFA's statement on Monday on the consequences of the Lassana Diarra case, FIFPro reiterated the ongoing “conflict of interest”.
The aforementioned statement stated: “FIFA must carry out its duties in a transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate manner to neutralize this conflict of interest.”
In any case, the official investigation may only begin at the end of 2025. For now, a preliminary investigation will be opened, which may take up to 12 months.
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