FIFA Urges Dialogue in Overcrowded Calendar Controversy

FIFA has reached out to FIFPRO Europe and the European Leagues body for discussions after a disagreement over the football calendar. Following a complaint filed to the European Commission on July 23 by FIFPRO and European Leagues, which represents over a thousand clubs from 33 countries, FIFA has been accused of abusing its power. The complaint alleges that FIFA's actions regarding the international match calendar have negatively impacted the financial well-being of national leagues and the overall welfare of players. FIFPRO and European Leagues argue that FIFA's dual roles as a regulator and competition organizer present a conflict of interest.

"FIFA has today reiterated an invitation to meet and discuss the calendar with World Leagues Association and FIFPRO, having received no response to a letter on 10 May 2024," a FIFA spokesperson said.

"FIFA believes there is a more productive way forward for football than the threat of legal action and the offer to engage in dialogue remains on the table. 

"FIFA serves and balances the overall interests of world football, including the protection of players, and always strives to do what is best for the game around the world," it added.

FIFA has been accused of a failure to consult over recent changes to the calendar, such as the introduction of a 32-team Club World Cup.

The first edition of the expanded Club World Cup is set to take place in the United States in June and July next year and 12 European clubs are due to feature.

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Many of the continent's leading players will therefore be obliged to participate at a time when they would otherwise have been afforded a long close-season break, a year ahead of the expanded 48-team World Cup in North America.

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(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)