By Daily Sports Nigeria on July 24, 2024
The top European leagues, including the Premier League, and global players' union Fifpro will launch legal action against world governing body Fifa over its "abuse of dominance" in the game.
The European Leagues, which represents 39 leagues and 1,130 clubs in 33 countries, says it is filing a complaint to the European Commission to protect the welfare of players.
It comes following growing pressure from leagues and player unions, including the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), over the number of games added to the calendar and the impact on players.
A Fifpro statement said the international calendar is "now beyond saturation", "unsustainable for national leagues" and a "risk for the health of players".
It added: "Fifa's decisions over the last years have repeatedly favoured its own competitions and commercial interests, neglected its responsibilities as a governing body, and harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the welfare of players.
"Legal action is now the only responsible step for European leagues and player unions to protect football, its ecosystem and its workforce."
The statement said Fifa has "consistently refused to include national leagues and player unions in its decision-making process", having been urged to develop a clear and transparent process regarding the international match calendar.
The European Leagues includes the English Football League, Scottish Professional Football League, Serie A and the Bundesliga. La Liga is not a member but is joining the action.
In May Fifa rejected a claim that Fifpro and the World Leagues Association were not consulted over plans to host a 32-team Club World Cup.
Manchester City and Chelsea are among the 12 European representatives at the expanded Club World Cup, to be held in the USA between 15 June and 13 July 2025.
Source Punch Ng
Posted July 24, 2024
You may also like...
Germany veteran Neuer to consider future after Euro...
Why Arsenal are winning – Guardiola
Rangers return to top as Echugbulam's strike sinks...
Napoli To Appeal Osimhen’s Two-Ggame Ban
Michael Jordan’s Sneakers Sell For Nearly $1.5m, An...
Ziyech Out Of Arsenal Clash, Chilwell, James Doubtful...
UCL: Gala president promises Osimhen, others €5m bonus
Iran war: ICC completes departures after men’s T20 W’Cup
NSC rewards youth athletes in Abuja
Relief for Moses as FG begins Middle East evacuations
President’s death forces aquatic federation calendar shake-up
Diamond League announces Amusan for Prefontaine Classic
Chelle receives Agu, Nwaiwu injury boost
Lagos schools gear up for TASG athletics showcase
D’Tigress open W’Cup qualifying campaign with Colombia clash
Onigbide's contributions helped shape Nigeria’s football, NSC mourns ex-Super Eagles coach
Joshua career-earnings per punch recorded at £172k
Onuachu breaks 14-year Trabzonspor goal record
Most Read
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,608 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (54,936 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,841 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,464 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,384 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,291 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,166 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,710 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,889 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,403 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,795 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,272 views)