by Players have little time for relaxation and recuperation due to the packed schedule, and FIFA has not yet responded to union requests for an obligatory 28-day off-season break.
The Premier League is taking FIFA to court again for extending the schedule for international football while endangering the players’ health.
The players’ union FIFPRO Europe and the European Leagues organization, of which England’s professional leagues are a part, indicated that they would lodge a complaint with the European Commission on the grounds of competition law.
They are worried about the upcoming 32-team men’s Club World Cup, which will take place in conjunction with the regular European season and international competitions, as well as the governing body of world football’s rather scant official consultation process.
The English players’ unions have threatened to take legal action over workload concerns arising from the addition of more international fixtures, as Sky News first reported in December.
A member of FIFPRO Europe, the Professional Footballers’ Association joined the European Leagues “to protect football, its ecosystem, and its workforce from FIFA’s unilateral decisions” and lodged a complaint with the European Commission.
“FIFA acts as both an international football regulator and a competition organizer; the lawsuit will detail how FIFA’s actions explicitly amount to an abuse of power and breach EU competition law.”
Because of the conflict of interest this presents, FIFA must employ its regulatory powers in a transparent, impartial, non-discriminatory, and proportionate manner in accordance with recent EU court case legislation.
LaLiga, FIFPRO Europe, and European Leagues will all submit a formal complaint in accordance with earlier national processes that were started by other leagues and player unions.
The English, French, and Italian player unions filed a lawsuit with the Brussels Commercial Court in June.
“The European Commission has already been informed of FIFPRO Europe and European Leagues’ decision, and they plan to work closely with the Commission, relevant governmental organizations, and football stakeholders during the investigation.”
Players have little time for relaxation and recuperation due to the packed schedule, and FIFA has not yet responded to union requests for an obligatory 28-day off-season break.
FIFA has consistently denied involvement of national leagues and player unions in its decision-making process, leading to an oversaturated schedule, unsustainable competition, and potential health risks for players.
FIFA’s impact on club football has increased as a result of Chelsea and Manchester City qualifying as European champions. The club World Cup, which had only seven teams available for the North American edition in 2026, will now feature 48 teams.
FIFA claims the intentional calendar for club player release for national team matches was approved unanimously by its ruling council, including European officials, and FIFA and league bodies were also consulted.
FIFA has accused European leagues of acting with commercial self-interest and hypocrisy, prioritizing friendlies and summer tours over global travel. The statement emphasized the need for FIFA to protect the overall interests of world football, including player protection, at all levels of the game.
