“European Leagues and FIFPro File Complaint Against FIFA for ‘Abusive and Anti-Competitive’ Practices” 2024-10-14

Europe's domestic football leagues, alongside the global players' union Fifpro, have formally lodged a complaint against FIFA, accusing the organization of "abusive and anti-competitive" practices regarding the management of the sport's match calendar. La Liga president described the day as "one of the most important in football," emphasizing the significance of this collective action. The complaint highlights concerns over FIFA's expansion of the match schedule, which the leagues and Fifpro argue jeopardizes player welfare and the integrity of domestic competitions. They specifically pointed to the upcoming enlarged 2026 World Cup and the newly formatted Club World Cup set to occur next summer as key issues. The complaint was submitted to the European Commission on Monday morning, which will now determine whether to initiate formal proceedings against FIFA, the governing body of football worldwide.

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Question 1: What was the main reason for the complaint filed by European Leagues and Fifpro against Fifa?

The main reason for the complaint was the accusation of Fifa's "abusive and anti-competitive" conduct in expanding the football match calendar, which they believe endangers players and domestic competitions.

Question 2: Who is the president of La Liga and what did he say about the complaint?

The president of La Liga is Javier Tebas, who described the filing of the complaint as “one of the most important days in football.”

Question 3: What specific events did the complainants point to as problematic in their complaint against Fifa?

The complainants pointed to the enlarged 2026 World Cup and the controversial new-look Club World Cup scheduled for the next summer as problematic events that contribute to the overcrowded match calendar.

Question 4: What is the next step after the complaint was submitted to the European Commission?

The next step is for the European Commission to decide whether to officially open proceedings against Fifa regarding the complaint.

Question 5: Did the European Leagues and Fifpro intend to challenge Fifa's role as a global regulator?

No, they stated that they have no intention to challenge Fifa's role as a global regulator.