Top European leagues call for urgent reforms to FIFA governance

18:00

By: Azzat Manal

Top European leagues call for urgent reforms to FIFA governance

The Premier League, Germany's Bundesliga, Italy's Serie A and Spain's LaLiga have called for significant reforms to the governance of FIFA, arguing that major decisions affecting football should involve a broader range of stakeholders.

In a joint statement released on September 25, the four leagues called for stronger independent oversight within football's global governing body and greater participation from leagues, clubs, players and other stakeholders in decisions that affect the sport. They also stressed the importance of transparent, objective and evidence-based decision-making.

The leagues' concerns are closely linked to the expansion of the international football calendar. Domestic competitions have increasingly faced scheduling challenges as FIFA and other governing bodies introduce or expand international tournaments. The European leagues have argued that decisions about the calendar should be made through broader consultation with those directly affected.

The dispute is not new. In October 2024, FIFPRO Europe, European Leagues and LaLiga formally complained to the European Commission over FIFA's handling of the international match calendar. The complaint argued that FIFA's dual role as football regulator and competition organiser created a potential conflict of interest and called for greater transparency and stakeholder involvement.

The latest statement also comes after controversy surrounding a proposal to sell a stake in FIFA's commercial rights to private investors. The plan, which included commercial rights linked to the World Cup, was withdrawn in July after facing opposition from several football organisations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino subsequently proposed an independent external review of the organisation's governance framework for major strategic initiatives.

The four leagues are seeking clearer checks and balances between FIFA's regulatory responsibilities and its commercial activities. Their position reflects broader discussions within European football over who should participate in decisions concerning competitions, player workloads, international fixtures and the distribution of football's commercial revenues.

FIFA has also signalled a willingness to discuss possible governance changes. Infantino recently told FIFA's 211 member associations and the FIFA Council that consultations could examine the respective roles of the president, council, congress and other stakeholders, as well as ways to strengthen transparency and accountability.

The French Ligue 1 did not join the September 25 joint statement, leaving the initiative led by four of Europe's major domestic leagues. The disagreement nevertheless adds to an ongoing debate over the balance between international and domestic football and how future changes to the global calendar should be negotiated.

The issue is expected to remain prominent as FIFA considers its governance framework and the international football calendar. For European leagues, the latest call places greater stakeholder participation and independent oversight at the centre of discussions about the future organisation of the sport.