Football leagues and union voice concerns to EU over packed FIFA calendar
Football leagues and players’ union representatives have taken their appeal to the European Union against FIFA’s congested football calendar. The European Leagues umbrella body, FIFPRO players’ union, and Spain’s LaLiga are currently presenting their case on Monday, 14 October, highlighting the detrimental effects of FIFA’s schedule on players’ wellbeing.
Elite clubs have been expressing growing worries about the toll the overcrowded schedules are taking on players, both physically and mentally, despite the lucrative salaries they command. The discussion aims to address the strains faced by players amidst the congested calendar and calls for necessary changes to be made.
Key speakers at the appeal include LaLiga president Javier Tebas, Premier League’s director of International Football Relations and EU Affairs Mathieu Moreuil, UNFP vice president and FIFPRO Europe president David Terrier, Pro League CEO Lorin Parys, AIC president Umberto Calcagno, and NISO executive president Kristoffer Vatshaug.
The collective argument from these groups centres around the unsustainability of the current international match calendar, which has seen expansions like the Champions League and Club World Cup. They argue that this has not only put undue strain on national leagues but also poses a significant health risk to players, further accusing FIFA of leveraging its market power unfairly.
In response, FIFA maintains that the current calendar was endorsed unanimously by its council after extensive consultations, including with FIFPRO and league bodies. The ongoing appeal marks a significant step in addressing the growing concerns within the football community regarding player welfare and the need for a more balanced and sustainable calendar.
The dialogue between football stakeholders and the EU serves as a crucial platform to shed light on the pressing issues within the sport and to advocate for necessary reforms that prioritise player health and the overall integrity of the game.