August 01, (THEWILL) – FIFA has invited FIFPRO Europe and the European Leagues for discussions following a dispute over the football calendar.
The global players’ union FIFPRO and European Leagues, representing over 1,000 clubs from 33 countries, filed a complaint to the European Commission on July 23, 2024, accusing FIFA of abusing its position.
The complaint alleges that FIFA’s conduct regarding the international match calendar has harmed national leagues’ economic interests and players’ welfare. It also argues that FIFA’s dual role as a regulator and competition organiser creates a conflict of interest.
A FIFA spokesperson stated that they had reiterated an invitation to meet and discuss the calendar with the World Leagues Association and FIFPRO, having received no response to a letter sent on May 10. FIFA believes dialogue is more productive than legal action and maintains that its offer to engage in discussions remains open.
FIFA has faced criticism for allegedly failing to consult on recent calendar changes, such as the introduction of a 32-team Club World Cup. The first edition of this expanded tournament is scheduled to take place in the United States in June and July 2025, featuring 12 European clubs.
This new format means many top European players will be required to participate at a time when they would typically have a long off-season break, just one year before the expanded 48-team World Cup in North America.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
