European Soccer Leagues, Player Unions challenge FIFA In Formal legal Complaint On Competition Law

In the latest legal challenge to international soccer bodies, the European group of leagues and player unions said on Tuesday they will formally complain to the European Commission about how FIFA adds competitions to congested fixture schedules.

The legal move backs up warnings to FIFA in May by European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe urging a rethink on what they claimed was an “inherently abusive” decision-making process, including to expand the men’s World Cup and Club World Cup.

It also follows a European Court of Justice ruling in December which found FIFA and UEFA abused their dominant position as regulator and competition organizer in a case brought by storied clubs that tried to launch a breakaway Super League in 2021.

“Regretfully, FIFA has consistently refused to include national leagues and player unions in its decision-making process,” European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe said in a statement.

The European Commission in Brussels is the executive arm of the 27-nation European Union and can intervene on alleged breaches of competition law.

“FIFA’s decisions over the last years have repeatedly favored 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,” European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe said.

“The international match calendar is now beyond saturation and has become unsustainable for national leagues and a risk for the health of players.”

FIFA manages the calendar of international games and tournaments which mandates when clubs must release their players called up for national teams.

Top-tier leagues, which shut down their weekend programs for national-team fixtures, have long claimed they were not fully consulted on the latest version that runs to 2030.