FIFA Labels European Leagues and Fifpro as Hypocritical in Dispute Over International Match Calendar

A fierce confrontation has erupted between FIFA, European football leagues, and player unions, following legal threats over the congested international match calendar. The European Leagues organization, which represents professional football across over 30 European nations, and Fifpro Europe, the global players' union, have announced plans to file a complaint with the European Commission. The complaint focuses on FIFA’s decision to expand the 2025 Club World Cup and its overall impact on an already crowded fixture schedule.

The European Leagues and Fifpro Europe argue that FIFA's actions pose a risk to player health and disregard necessary consultation with national leagues and player unions. This move follows similar legal action taken by player unions from England, France, and Italy in Brussels last month and recent warnings from May about the “inherently abusive” nature of FIFA's decision-making process.

Their complaint, joined by Spain’s La Liga, contends that FIFA’s expansion of the Club World Cup and the increase of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams infringe on EU competition laws. They argue that FIFA’s dual role as both global football regulator and competition organizer creates a conflict of interest, demanding transparency and fairness in its regulatory functions.

FIFA, led by President Gianni Infantino, has countered these claims with a sharp rebuke. Infantino, who has championed the expanded Club World Cup, dismissed the concerns as “futile” and urged stakeholders to focus on their core mission. FIFA's response accuses the European leagues of hypocrisy, suggesting they prioritize commercial interests and summer tours over global football’s broader needs.

“Some leagues seem to prefer a calendar filled with friendlies and extensive global travel,” FIFA stated. “In contrast, FIFA's role is to protect the overall interests of football, including player welfare at all levels of the game.”