European Leagues File Antitrust Complaint Against FIFA

A coalition of European football leagues, including the Premier League, and the players' union FIFPRO Europe, plans to file a legal complaint against FIFA with the European Commission, alleging the governing body has abused its dominant position regarding the international match calendar. The complaint highlights concerns over fixture congestion, particularly due to the newly introduced 32-team Club World Cup, which is perceived as a tipping point that harms national leagues and player welfare. Critics argue that FIFA's scheduling decisions were made without proper consultation and prioritize commercial interests over the well-being of players, with evidence pointing to increasing burnout risks among athletes. FIFA maintains that the calendar was approved after extensive consultation and asserts its right to set competition parameters. This legal challenge follows recent rulings against FIFA's player transfer regulations and reflects a growing trend of sports bodies seeking EU intervention to challenge governance issues. The European Commission has the authority to address anti-competitive practices and impose fines if warranted.