Syndicates Challenge FIFA in Court Over Unilateral World Club Cup Calendar

Thursday 13 June 2024 - 11:18

In a bold move, the professional footballers' unions of England (PFA) and France (UNFP) have filed a lawsuit against FIFA in a Brussels court, challenging the world governing body's unilaterally imposed calendar, particularly the new World Club Cup scheduled for 2025.

The English and French organizations argue that these decisions violate the rights of players and their unions as derived from the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights. They also assert that FIFA's actions contravene European competition law, as explained in a statement by the UNFP.

With the support of the Fifpro Europe union, the UNFP and PFA have requested the Brussels Commercial Court to refer the case to the European Court of Justice, posing four preliminary questions to underpin their arguments based on European law.

"Players and their unions have consistently highlighted that the current football calendar is overburdened and impractical," reminded the UNFP. In early May, Fifpro and the World Leagues Forum had already threatened FIFA with legal action.

The players' representatives accuse FIFA of "unilaterally pursuing an expansion program of competitions despite opposition from the unions," particularly by expanding its World Club Cup from 7 to 32 teams. The inaugural edition is scheduled from June 15 to July 13, 2025, in the United States.

"The most in-demand players are now part of an endless cycle of matches and competitions for their clubs and countries, with the limits constantly being pushed back," lamented Maheta Molango, the PFA's Chief Executive, in a separate statement.

Specifically, the two unions raise concerns about FIFA potentially violating European workers' rights to "collectively negotiate their employment conditions through their unions" and their "right to healthy working conditions," as enshrined in European legislation.

Furthermore, they cite the European Court of Justice's ruling in the Super League case last December to argue that FIFA is arbitrarily restricting competition law.

As the legal battle unfolds, the football world watches closely, awaiting the court's assessment of FIFA's authority over the game's calendar and the implications for players' well-being and the intricate dynamics between governing bodies and stakeholders within the sport.