Players’ Unions in England and France Sue FIFA Over Club World Cup Schedule
Written by Jerry Alomatu on June 13, 2024
The professional footballers’ unions of England (PFA) and France (UNFP) have taken legal action against FIFA, challenging the football governing body’s new competition schedule, including the expanded Club World Cup set for 2025.
The unions argue that the expanded Club World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States from June to July next year, places an unacceptable burden on players. They claim FIFA’s unilateral decisions violate players’ rights under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and potentially breach EU competition law.
Supported by the global professional footballers’ union FIFPRO, the PFA and UNFP have asked the Brussels Commercial Court to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union. They have put forward “four questions for a preliminary ruling.”
In their statement, the unions emphasized the overloaded and unworkable current football calendar. This legal move follows a previous warning from FIFPRO and the World Association of Football Leagues, which threatened FIFA with legal action over the expanded competition schedule.
The players’ representatives accuse FIFA of continuing to expand competitions despite opposition from player unions, notably by increasing the Club World Cup from seven to 32 teams. PFA General Manager Maheta Molango criticized the relentless schedule faced by top players, which he said is constantly being pushed by new and expanded competitions.
The unions argue that FIFA may be violating the rights of European workers to collectively bargain over their terms and conditions of employment, as well as their right to healthy working conditions, as stipulated in European law. They also refer to the European Court of Justice’s ruling in the Super League case last December, which they believe demonstrates that FIFA is restricting competition in a “unilateral and discretionary” manner.
FIFA has not commented on the lawsuit. However, sources close to the organization note that the international match calendar was approved by its ruling Council, which includes representation from all continental confederations, including UEFA. They insist that the calendar was the result of extensive consultation and reject claims that it was imposed on the football community.
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Author: Jerry Alomatu
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