The Premier League have reportedly taken legal action against world football’s governing body, FIFA.
According to Sky News Sports Correspondent Rob Harris, who wrote on social media: “Breaking: Premier League part of legal action against FIFA for congesting the international football calendar and risking the health of players.
“The European Leagues organisation will file complaint to the European Commission with FIFPRO Europe claiming competition law breaches.”
He added: “FIFA claims it has consulted across football and the new men’s 32-team Club World Cup is only replacing the old Confederations Cup slot every four years.
“European Leagues & players unions claim FIFA
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- “Infringes EU competition law … abuse of dominance”
- Regulating football & organising events “a conflict of interest”
- “Favoured its own
competitions & commercial interests”, harmed “welfare of players””
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Over the years big name managers have been critical of the football calendar and the workload placed on their players.
As per Sky News’ report, the Professional Footballers’ Association said: “The complaint will explain that FIFA's conduct infringes EU competition law and notably constitutes an abuse of dominance: FIFA holds a dual role as both the global regulator of football and a competition organiser.
“This creates a conflict of interest, which, consistent with recent case law of the EU courts, requires FIFA to exercise its regulatory functions in a way that is transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate. FIFA's conduct in respect of the international match calendar falls well short of these requirements.”
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SPORTbible has contacted FIFA for comment regarding this matter.
A statement from FIFA said: "The current calendar was unanimously approved approved by the FIFA Council, which is composed of representatives from all continents, including Europe, following a comprehensive and inclusive consultation, which included FIFPRO and league bodies. FIFA’s calendar is the only instrument ensuring that international football can continue to survive, co-exist, and prosper alongside domestic and continental club football.
"Some leagues in Europe - themselves competition organisers and regulators - are acting with commercial self-interest, hypocrisy, and without consideration to everyone else in the world. Those leagues apparently prefer a calendar filled with friendlies and summer tours, often involving extensive global travel. By contrast, FIFA must protect the overall interests of world football, including the protection of players, everywhere and at all levels of the game."
Topics: Premier League, FIFA, Football
Marcus Chan