European Football Leagues File Complaint Against FIFA Over Calendar Control
In a significant move, various European football leagues, including Spain's prominent La Liga, and the International Federation of Professional Footballers Associations have lodged a formal complaint against FIFA with the European Commission. The submission, made this Monday, accuses FIFA of abusing its dominant position in football by unilaterally instituting international competition calendars that allegedly infringe upon European Union regulations.
The complaint articulates that FIFA's imposition of decisions pertaining to the international calendar represents a blatant abuse of its power, which needs to adhere to principles of transparency, objectivity, non-discrimination, and proportionality in order to avoid conflicts of interest. This stance echoes a recent trend in European jurisprudence that calls for clearer regulatory practices from FIFA.
This legal action comes at a time when sentiments of unrest among players are gaining momentum. Notably, key players such as Rodri and Dani Carvajal have voiced their concerns about the grueling pressure of an overloaded match schedule, suggesting that a strike in the international football arena could be a viable option. Other Spanish athletes, along with coaches from various countries, have joined in expressing their discontent with the current structure.
La Liga president, Javier Tebas, reinforced the seriousness of the situation, pointing out that the current scheduling not only jeopardizes player health but poses a threat to the integrity of the football industry as a whole. "The risk of a strike is real," Tebas warned, emphasizing that the burdensome calendar could cripple both the players' welfare and the sport's overall future.
The implications of this complaint and the growing unrest among players could lead to significant changes in how international football operates. As the situation develops, close attention will be paid to the European Commission's response and any potential repercussions for FIFA's governance of the global football calendar.
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