European Leagues Accuse FIFA of Abusing its Position
European Leagues Accuse FIFA of Abusing Its Position
Intends to File a Legal Complaint against Overcrowding of the Match Schedule
The administrations of leagues and federations intend to file a legal complaint with the European Commission tomorrow, Monday, accusing the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) of abusing its dominant position over the game in setting the match schedule.
Failure to Consult on the New Match Calendar
The British news agency (PA Media) reported that the group, which includes the English Premier League among its members, stated that FIFA had not consulted on the new match calendar that was revealed in March of last year, and that this was the reason for the major congestion in the stadium match schedule.
The Club World Cup: A Turning Point
The unveiling of the Club World Cup with the participation of 32 teams every four years was a turning point in this, but the biggest problem, according to the links, is that FIFA favored its economic interests, which harmed the economic interests of the leagues and the well-being of the players.
FIFA’s Response
FIFA confirmed that the calendar that was revealed at the 2023 Congress in Rwanda was the result of numerous and intense consultations, reserving its right to form the tournaments it organizes, such as the Club World Cup, on the condition that they fit within the agreed-upon framework of the calendar.
FIFA’s Accusation of Hypocrisy
FIFA also accused the leagues of hypocrisy, stressing that they prefer to conduct friendly and summer tours such as those carried out by the English Premier League.
FIFPro Europe Joins the Movement
FIFPro Europe, the continental arm of the World Association of Professional Footballers (FIFPro), is part of that movement.
Players’ Demands
Several players spoke about the matter, demanding that some adjustments be made to the calendar, including the Spanish Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, who said that the players were close to going on strike because of this, shortly before he suffered a severe injury that ended his season.
Conclusion
The row between FIFA and European leagues has been ongoing for some time, with the leagues accusing FIFA of abusing its position and failing to consult with them on the new match calendar. The leagues are now planning to file a legal complaint with the European Commission in an attempt to resolve the issue.
FAQs
- Why are the European leagues planning to file a legal complaint against FIFA?
- The leagues are planning to file a legal complaint because they believe that FIFA is abusing its position and failing to consult with them on the new match calendar, leading to overcrowding of the match schedule.
- What is the reason for the major congestion in the stadium match schedule?
- The reason for the major congestion is that FIFA did not consult with the leagues on the new match calendar, leading to an overloaded schedule.
- What is the Club World Cup?
- The Club World Cup is a tournament featuring 32 teams every four years, which was a turning point in the controversy between FIFA and the European leagues.
- What is FIFPro Europe?
- FIFPro Europe is the continental arm of the World Association of Professional Footballers (FIFPro).