Quotes
The international match calendar is now beyond saturation and has become unsustainable for national leagues and a risk for the health of players,
FIFPro and European Leagues said The problem is real. We’re starting to see the impact of decisions made by regional and international bodies. The calendar is getting less harmonious with every decision that is being made,
Regretfully, FIFA has consistently refused to include national leagues and player unions in its decision-making process. FIFA’s decisions over the last years have repeatedly favoured its own competitions and commercial interests, neglected its responsibilities as a governing body, and harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the welfare of players.”
European Leagues and FIFPRO's statement highlighted ongoing frustrations with FIFA's governance FIFA's calendar is the only instrument ensuring that international football can continue to survive, co-exist, and prosper alongside domestic and continental club football,
The complaint will explain that FIFA's conduct infringes EU competition law and notably constitutes an abuse of dominance: FIFA holds a dual role as both the global regulator of football and a competition organiser. This creates a conflict of interest,
By contrast, FIFA must protect the overall interests of world football, including the protection of players, everywhere and at all levels of the game,
The current calendar was unanimously approved by the FIFA Council, which is composed of representatives from all continents, including Europe, following a comprehensive and inclusive consultation, which included FIFPRO and league bodies.”
In response to the allegations, FIFA told POLITICO Some leagues in Europe — themselves competition organizers and regulators — are acting with commercial self-interest, hypocrisy, and without consideration to everyone else in the world. Those leagues apparently prefer a calendar filled with friendlies and summer tours, often involving extensive global travel,
the football governing body added For several years, the leagues and player unions have repeatedly urged FIFA to develop a clear, transparent, and fair process regarding the international match calendar, but FIFA has consistently refused,
the groups said on Tuesday in a statement