La Liga president Javier Tebas celebrated 'one of the most significant days in football' after Europe's domestic leagues united with the global players' union to formally challenge Fifa's control over the sport's match calendar. European Leagues, Fifpro, and La Liga jointly accused Fifa of 'abusive and anti-competitive' behavior by expanding the schedule in a way that they argue jeopardizes players' health and domestic competitions. This expansion includes the enlarged 2026 World Cup and the contentious new Club World Cup set for next summer.
The formal complaint was filed on Monday morning with the European Commission, which now must decide whether to initiate proceedings against football's governing body. 'We've made a crucial step in altering the governance of football institutions, and we won't let it slip away,' Tebas stated, speaking alongside representatives from the Premier League and Belgium's top flight, as well as union leaders from France, Italy, and Norway. 'This is a pivotal day for football in Europe and globally. Mark it, because you'll witness its impact in the coming months.'
The complaint asserts that Fifa's monopoly on calendar decisions constitutes an abuse of dominance, contravening European competition law. It accuses Fifa of failing to engage adequately with players and leagues and misusing its regulatory authority to prioritize its commercial interests. Mathieu Moreuil, the Premier League's director of international relations, highlighted that a breaking point had been reached. 'Our collective message is clear: enough is enough, we can't endure this any longer,' he said. 'We find ourselves with no alternative. Legal action is the only recourse, which is regrettable. Our aim is to safeguard domestic football and its ecosystem. We seek genuine agreement between social partners and Fifa, not just consultation.'
The intention is not to undermine Fifa's role as the global regulator nor is the complaint aimed at seeking compensation. Additionally, there is minimal chance it will result in the cancellation of the next Club World Cup. The ultimate goal is for Fifa to agree to a substantive consultation process concerning the calendar's format, especially as domestic competitions are being squeezed, and high-profile players like Rodri and Alisson have voiced concerns about the physical toll of packed schedules.
'We feel football is consuming itself,' said Umberto Calcagno, president of the Italian Footballers' Association. 'Players are acutely aware of this situation. They understand the importance of not only protecting their health but also the integrity of their national championships.'
The 32-team Club World Cup, scheduled for the US between mid-June and mid-July, has exasperated many football stakeholders. In May, Fifpro and World Leagues urged Fifa to reschedule the tournament until an agreement on the international calendar's structure could be reached. No agreement was forthcoming, and a tournament with unresolved details, including uncertain financial benefits for clubs, appears set to proceed as planned.
Moreuil dismissed any suggestion of hypocrisy regarding the Premier League's involvement in Brussels. England's top clubs frequently participate in lucrative summer tournaments and friendlies, despite the potential strain on players. 'Individual club tours are a club matter,' he said. 'That's their decision, not a league decision.'
This latest legal challenge follows the EU court's recent ruling that key transfer system rules were 'contrary to EU law,' stemming from a long-running case involving former Chelsea, Arsenal, and Portsmouth player Lassana Diarra. On Monday, Fifa announced it would initiate a 'global dialogue' on the ruling, raising cautious optimism that they might adopt a more cooperative approach regarding the calendar as the stakes have increased.
Fifa has been approached for comment on the complaint filed with the European Commission.
