European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe Challenge FIFA's Match Calendar

European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe plan to lodge a complaint with EU antitrust regulators against FIFA's match calendar, citing over-saturation and player health risks. They claim FIFA's practices favor its own competitions, neglecting its regulatory duties. FIFA defends the calendar, calling it essential for balancing international and domestic football.

European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe will jointly lodge a complaint with EU antitrust regulators against FIFA's international match calendar, intensifying their dispute with football's global governing body.

The move follows similar legal actions by player unions in England, France, and Italy against FIFA last month in a Brussels commercial court.

A person with direct knowledge said the complaint will be filed with the European Commission, which enforces EU competition law, in the coming weeks. European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe argue that the calendar is over-saturated, unsustainable for national leagues, and harmful to players.

FIFA defended the calendar, stating it was unanimously approved by their council after comprehensive consultation, highlighting its necessity for the survival and prosperity of international, domestic, and continental football.

The opposing bodies accused certain European leagues of acting out of commercial self-interest and blamed FIFA for favoring its competitions while neglecting its regulatory role. They contend FIFA's dual role constitutes an abuse of dominance and conflicts with EU competition law. The complaint follows FIFA's announcement of an expanded 2026 World Cup format with 104 matches.

(With inputs from agencies.)