In a significant turn of events, the global soccer landscape is seeing mounting resistance against FIFA’s increasingly congested match calendar. The latest clash is over the proposed expansion of the Club World Cup in 2025. Players’ union FIFPro, alongside the European Leagues, which represents 39 divisions including Serie A, Premier League, and La Liga, has filed a legal complaint against FIFA. They are accusing the governing body of abusing its role as both a tournament organizer and a regulator.
This move marks the most recent chapter in the ongoing dispute between FIFA and various stakeholders. Particularly, over the intense demands being placed on players and clubs. The complaint underscores growing concerns that the soccer calendar is oversaturated with matches. This eventually leads to burnout, injuries, and reduced recovery time for players.
FIFPro and the European Leagues have now taken their concerns to the European Commission in Brussels. They have filed an unprecedented antitrust complaint against FIFA. According to Alexander Bielefeld, FIFPro’s director of policy, this move challenges the legality of FIFA’s unilateral decisions concerning the international match calendar. The crux of the matter lies in FIFA’s decision to introduce and schedule the expanded 2025 Club World Cup. The tournament will take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13, 2025.
The decision to expand the Club World Cup comes amidst an already overloaded fixture schedule. There is also the expansion of competitions such as the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. FIFPro and European top leagues argue that FIFA has continually imposed additional games without consultation. Thus, further claiming that that they are pushing players to their physical and mental limits. The plan to hold the Club World Cup during the European summer would leave many players with little time off between seasons, aggravating the problem.
European front…
Author : Martina Alcheva
Publish date : 2024-10-16 16:49:23
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The post European leagues sue over 2025 Club World Cup first appeared on Foot & Soccer.
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Author : footsoccer
Publish date : 2024-10-16 16:53:52
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.