Football Players’ Unions Sue FIFA Over Club World Cup

The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) and the European Club Association (ECA) have filed a lawsuit against FIFA over the expanded Club World Cup tournament. The tournament, which was originally set to feature 24 teams, has been expanded to 32 teams and is scheduled to take place in 2025 in the United States. FIFA announced the expansion in March without consulting with the players’ unions or the ECA. FIFPro and the ECA argue that the expanded tournament will place an undue burden on players and clubs. They also contend that FIFA did not follow proper consultation procedures before making the decision to expand the tournament. “This decision has been taken without any meaningful consultation or consideration of the interests of players, clubs, or leagues,” said FIFPro President David Aganzo. “The health and well-being of players must be paramount, and this expansion will only serve to increase their workload and risk of injury.” The ECA echoed FIFPro’s concerns, arguing that the expanded tournament would “diminish the value of national team and club competitions.” “We cannot accept a system where a select few clubs are able to participate in a closed-shop competition, while the vast majority of clubs are excluded,” said ECA Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi. The lawsuit, which was filed with the Zurich-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeks to have the decision to expand the tournament overturned. FIFA has defended the expansion of the Club World Cup, arguing that it will create more opportunities for clubs from all over the world to compete on a global stage. “The expanded Club World Cup will provide a bigger platform for clubs to showcase their talent and for fans to enjoy the excitement of top-level football,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. However, the players’ unions and the ECA remain adamant that the expansion will be detrimental to the game. They have vowed to continue to fight against the decision in court if necessary.Players’ Unions Challenge Expanded Club World Cup

Players’ Unions Challenge Expanded Club World Cup

Players’ unions, including FIFPRO (global), UNFP (France), and PFA (England), have filed a legal challenge to the expanded Club World Cup. The tournament, scheduled for June and July 2025 in the United States, is seen as an excessive burden on players. The unions claim that the decision violates players’ rights under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and potentially infringes on EU competition law. They contend that the current football calendar is already overloaded and unsustainable, and that FIFA’s expansion plans further exacerbate the issue. The unions accuse FIFA of ignoring player opposition to the expanded tournament, which has been increased from seven to 32 teams. They argue that top players are subjected to an endless cycle of games and competitions, pushing them to their limits. The unions cite the European Court of Justice’s (CJEU) ruling in the Super League case as evidence that FIFA is restricting competition in a unilateral and discretionary manner. They also claim that FIFA has violated European workers’ rights to collective bargaining and healthy working conditions. FIFA has not commented on the legal challenge. However, sources close to the governing body maintain that the international match calendar was approved by its governing Council, which includes representatives from all continental confederations. They assert that the calendar was the result of extensive consultation and reject any suggestion it was imposed.Football players’ unions have filed a lawsuit against FIFA over the Club World Cup, alleging that the tournament violates players’ rights. The lawsuit, filed by FIFPro and UNI Global Union, argues that the Club World Cup is “excessive and unnecessary,” and that it puts players at risk of injury. The unions also argue that the Club World Cup is unfair to players from smaller clubs, who are not given the opportunity to compete in the tournament. FIFA has not yet commented on the lawsuit.