In a bold move, the professional footballers’ unions of England (PFA) and France (UNFP) have taken FIFA to court in Brussels, challenging the world body’s unilateral decision to expand the Club World Cup in 2025.
The unions, supported by the global professional footballer’s union FIFPRO, believe that FIFA’s plans for the expanded tournament, set to take place in the United States next June and July, violate the rights of players and their unions under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, as well as potentially infringing on EU competition law.
“Players and their unions have consistently highlighted the current football calendar as overloaded and unworkable,” the unions stated in their joint statement. They argue that the most in-demand players are now part of an “endless schedule of games and competitions for club and country, with their limits constantly being pushed through expansion and the creation of new competitions.”
The PFA and UNFP have asked the Brussels Commercial Court to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union, seeking a preliminary ruling on four key questions related to the matter.
FIFA, for its part, has not commented directly on the legal challenge. However, sources close to the governing body have pointed out that the international match calendar was approved by its ruling Council, which includes representation from all continental confederations, including UEFA. They maintain that the calendar was the result of extensive consultation and reject any suggestion that it was imposed on the football community.
The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the future of the rapidly evolving football calendar and the balance of power between FIFA, players, and their unions.
