New Delhi: The three European leagues and the players’ union FIFPRO have complained to the European Commission about what they see as a “abuse of dominance” by the organization that oversees world football. Together with the European branch of Fifpro, the European Leagues, which represent 1,130 clubs in 33 nations and 39 leagues, including the Premier League, contend that Fifa has abused its authority under European competition law with regard to the international fixture schedule.
Despite not being a part of the European Leagues, the Spanish La Liga is participating. The various parties “had submitted a legal complaint to the European Commission,” according to Alexander Bielefeld, head of policy at Fifpro, who described the situation as “unprecedented.”
Why have FIFPRO complained to European Commission?
“Enough is enough, we can’t take it anymore” 😤
The World Players’ Union (FIFPRO) and the European leagues’ group have filed a legal complaint to the European commission, accusing FIFA of abuse of power and a conflict of interest 📑 pic.twitter.com/wHSWPsZoby
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 14, 2024
This is the most recent lawsuit to be filed about the ongoing dispute over how many games players must play in a season. The “overloaded and unworkable” football schedule prompted the Professional Footballers’ Association to join a lawsuit against FIFA in June.
Challenging the legality of Fifa’s decisions to unilaterally set the international match calendar and, in particular, the decision to create and schedule the Fifa Club World Cup 2025″ is the lawsuit that the PFA and the French players’ union filed before the Brussels court of commerce. 12 European clubs are expected to compete in the expanded Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States from June 15–13.
The PFA contends that the competition is a “tipping point for the football calendar and the ability of players to be able to take meaningful breaks between seasons,” as affirmed by the FIFA Council in December 2022. FIFPRO also stated that external “Fifa’s decisions over the last years have repeatedly favoured its own competitions and commercial interests, neglected its responsibilities as a governing body, and harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the welfare of players” .
This is what the players have to say
Manchester City midfielder Rodri feels that players are on the verge of going on strike to protest against an expanding football calender.
Is Rodri justified? Comment below! 👇
📸 Getty Images#epl #mancity #inter #ucl #football #footballnews pic.twitter.com/oLW8TG0GQ6
— Football9 (@Football9live_) September 17, 2024
Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City and Spain, recently stated that players are on the verge of going on strike in protest of the increased number of games. The 28-year-old won the Premier League and European Championship last season and made 63 appearances for both club and country.
A recent Fifpro study on player workload states that between July 2023 and July 2024, Rodri played 6,107 minutes on the field in 72 club and national matchday squads, including preseason friendlies.
Before leaving the game due to injury at halftime in the final on July 14, Rodri played in all seven of Spain’s Euro 2024 matches, totaling over 550 minutes. The Spaniard made his comeback to action for his nation on September 8th in a Nations League match against Switzerland, before suffering a season ending knee injury playing for City against Arsenal on 22nd September.
Manuel Akanji, the defender for Manchester City and Switzerland, has joked that his demanding schedule may force him to retire at the age of thirty. Alisson Becker has also voiced his thoughts on what he perceives to be a lack of consultation on the football schedule.
A number of players and Leagues have filed a complaint against FIFA, due to the hectic schedule of fixtures. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
