FIFA has reached out to global football leagues and player unions after three months of tension, inviting them to resume dialogue and resolve the controversy over congested calendars, ESPN reported. The initiative for new talks stems from letters FIFA sent to the World Leagues Forum and the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro). The letters emphasize FIFA’s continued desire for “ongoing dialogue,” aiming to ease recent legal disputes within international football.
FIFA stated in a statement, “We firmly believe that the football world needs a more coordinated solution rather than relying solely on legal means.”
In May, major leagues and player unions collectively condemned FIFA for “abuse of power,” citing the federation’s inclusion of additional games and tournaments in an already congested calendar, placing immense pressure on clubs and players.
FIFA plans to expand the 2026 World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, and introduce a quadrennial 32-team Club World Cup, with the first edition scheduled for June 2024 in the United States. Meanwhile, UEFA is also planning to expand its three club competitions, further increasing the number of teams and matches, inevitably shrinking the available space in national league calendars.
In response to FIFA’s actions, European leagues and player unions have formally filed a legal complaint in Brussels, for the European Commission to review. The commission has the authority to investigate potential violations of competition rules. British and French player union members also filed lawsuits in Brussels Commercial Court, seeking to appeal the case to the European Court in Luxembourg, which last year criticized FIFA and UEFA in a case concerning the Super League controversy.
FIFA controls the international match calendar, dictating specific timeframes when clubs must release players for national team matches through 2030. Global leagues and player unions are eager to reopen calendar negotiations, aiming to secure a greater voice in decision-making.
FIFA reiterated on Thursday, “We are committed to upholding and balancing the overall interests of world football, including safeguarding player welfare.”
FIFPro has not yet commented on the developments.
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