Europe’s leading football leagues and players’ unions are set to file a formal complaint against FIFA with the European Commission, amid growing concerns over the congested international football calendar. This development highlights the intensifying conflict surrounding the scheduling of football events.
David Terrier, president of FIFPro Europe, confirmed to AFP that a primary complaint has already been submitted to the Brussels High Court. Another complaint, supported by major European leagues such as the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, and the Premier League (excluding the French Ligue de Football Professionnel), alongside certain players’ unions, is scheduled for submission on October 14.
The latest complaint focuses on issues related to the right to competition, arguing that the increase in international competitions is negatively affecting the appeal of domestic leagues. This follows a previous complaint filed in June by the French players’ union (UNFP) and England’s Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) concerning FIFA’s unilateral decisions on the international match calendar and the expansion of the Club World Cup to 32 teams.
In recent statements, Manchester City midfielder Rodri highlighted the possibility of a strike by prominent footballers if the ongoing expansion of the football schedule continues. Manchester City, who won the 2023 Champions League, are scheduled to face Inter Milan in their first match of the new league phase of the competition. This season, City will participate in an expanded 36-team tournament, playing eight league fixtures and an additional two-legged play-off round before reaching the last 16. The team is also set to compete in an enlarged Club World Cup at the end of the season, potentially facing up to 75 games, further increasing the workload for international players.
Rodri’s remarks reflect similar concerns voiced by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, who criticized football authorities for neglecting player welfare amidst fixture congestion. FIFA has previously accused European leagues of “commercial hypocrisy,” alleging that these leagues prefer a schedule filled with friendlies and summer tours involving extensive global travel.
