The main international players’ union formalized a complaint against FIFA for excessive matches before the European Commission. The complaint also comes from the European Leagues, where Portugal is located.
It stopped being a threat and became a practical case: FIFPro, the international union that represents footballers, and the European Leagues filed a formal complaint with the European Commission against FIFA due to the competitive overload of the current calendar.
At a press conference in Brussels this Monday, representatives of FIFPro considered the current management of the FIFA calendar illegal, arguing that there is no dialogue between the body that regulates world football and the social partners. “FIFA used its power to promote its commercial interests to the detriment of the social partners. In this context, the inclusion of representatives of players’ unions and leagues in the decision-making process is essential.” can be read in the statement that was released.
Today in Brussels, executives from #FIFPRO Europe, @EuropeanLeaguesand @LaLiga detailed his complaint against FIFA, highlighting how its dual role as governing body and organizer of competitions creates a serious conflict of interest.https://t.co/Gl6FiH2Rao
—FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) October 14, 2024
In the opinion of FIFPro and the other complainants, FIFA’s current way of acting does not comply with the requirements of the European Union Competition Law. “The saturated international calendar puts the safety and well-being of players at risk, threatening the economic and social sustainability of important competitions. “FIFA’s rules and conduct fall far below what is required by European Union law.” adds the statement, which has the support of the leaders of 5 bigsince the European Leagues have 39 members, including the Portuguese League.
Richard Masters, general director of the Premier League, assured that football is “reaching a critical point”, while the president of La Liga assured that FIFA has “reduced room for maneuver.” “Unions and leagues are clearly aligned in protecting national competitions and players, who are increasingly exposed to the negative impact of a congested calendar. By introducing new formats and unilaterally expanding competitions, FIFA acts in its own interest, without considering the harm.” indicated Javier Tebas.
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“FIFA refuses to listen to the players, the main asset of this industry. They push their bodies to the limit. We receive the same complaints on countless visits to resorts. Athletes play too much and don’t have time to recover. “Many decided to raise their voices and all with the same message: enough is enough,” added David Terrier, former French player and current president of FIFPro.
It is worth remembering that the issue of calendar overload has been a topic on the table since the beginning of the season, mainly due to the new formats of the Champions League and Europa League and the increase in matches in the Nations League and the Club World Cup. Alisson, Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper, was one of the first to address the issue, joined days later by Rodri and Koundé, even opening the door to the possibility of a strike.
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Source: Observadora
