European Leagues and Player Unions Sue FIFA over Match Calendar

European Leagues and Player Unions Sue FIFA over Match Calendar

FIFA Faces Legal Challenge from European Leagues and Player Unions over Match Calendar

The European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe have joined forces to file a formal complaint with the European Commission against FIFA over the international match calendar. The complaint alleges that FIFA’s actions violate EU competition law and constitute an abuse of dominance.

The joint statement released by the organizations highlights the unsustainable nature of the current match calendar, which has become saturated with fixtures. The new UEFA Champions League format and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup will further increase the burden on players, who are already facing a high risk of injuries.

The complaint argues that FIFA’s dual role as both a global regulator and a competition organizer creates a conflict of interest. The organizations contend that FIFA has neglected its responsibilities as a governing body and prioritized its own commercial interests.

The statement emphasizes that legal action is necessary to protect the football ecosystem and the welfare of players. The complaint will seek to demonstrate that FIFA’s conduct infringes EU competition law by abusing its dominant position.

The European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe believe that FIFA’s actions have harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the health of players. They call for a transparent, objective, and proportionate approach to the regulation of the international match calendar.

US and Mexico Withdraw 2027 Women's World Cup Bid, Focus on 2031

US and Mexico Withdraw 2027 Women’s World Cup Bid, Focus on 2031

The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and its Mexican counterpart have withdrawn their joint bid to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, opting instead to focus on securing the 2031 tournament. This decision leaves Brazil and a combined bid from Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium as the remaining contenders for the 2027 event.

The USSF’s decision was driven by a desire to ensure equitable investment in both the men’s and women’s World Cups. FIFA had previously announced plans to allocate $896 million in prize money for the 2026 men’s World Cup, while only $110 million was allocated for the 2023 women’s World Cup.

“Hosting a World Cup tournament is a huge undertaking,” said USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone. “Shifting our bid will enable us to host a record-breaking Women’s World Cup in 2031 that will help to grow and raise the level of the women’s game both here at home as well as across the globe.”

The USSF’s 2031 bid will propose that FIFA invest equally in the men’s and women’s World Cups. This move is seen as a significant step towards achieving gender equity in the sport.

The Mexican Football Federation (MFF) echoed the USSF’s sentiments, stating that moving their bid to 2031 would allow them to “promote and build up to the most successful Women’s World Cup ever.”

The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the ninth edition of the tournament and the first to feature 32 teams. The host nation will be selected by the FIFA Congress on May 17 in Bangkok.

FIFA Calls for Government Intervention in Agent Fee Regulation

FIFA Calls for Government Intervention in Agent Fee Regulation

FIFA, the governing body of world football, has urged lawmakers to intervene in the regulation of player agent fees in the multi-billion dollar transfer market. The organization has specifically targeted the English Premier League, which has become a major source of revenue for agents.

According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, English clubs paid a staggering 500 million euros (530 million dollars) in agent fees in the year to February. However, only 6% of that amount (30 million euros) was paid to foreign clubs that developed and trained the players.

Infantino expressed concern that the vast majority of agent fees are leaving the football ecosystem. He emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and better redistribution in the transfer market.

FIFA has faced legal challenges from agents in Europe who oppose the organization’s plans for tighter regulations. The football body wants to cap agent commissions at 10% of transfer fees for selling clubs and 3% to 10% of salaries for players they represent.

However, these rules have been stalled after agents won a key legal ruling in England. The London tribunal ruled that implementing FIFA’s regulations would violate competition law.

FIFA relies on its financial clearing house in Paris to track transfer and agent fees between clubs in different countries. The system also directs money from these deals to clubs that trained and developed players earlier in their careers.

Infantino stressed the importance of compensation and solidarity payments for less privileged clubs. He argued that these payments are vital for clubs struggling to generate sufficient revenue.

The FIFA leader called on governments and lawmakers to join the organization in ensuring that funds generated in transfers remain within football and are shared with clubs worldwide. He emphasized the crucial role of less wealthy clubs in developing future generations of footballers.

India Held to Draw by Afghanistan in World Cup Qualifier

India Held to Draw by Afghanistan in World Cup Qualifier

Afghanistan’s resilience and India’s attacking deficiencies played out in a stalemate as the two teams drew 0-0 in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday. Despite a significant gap in FIFA rankings, Afghanistan held their ground against India, who remain winless in 2023.

India, ranked 106th, controlled possession but struggled to penetrate Afghanistan’s defense. Their crosses were ineffective, and their midfield lacked control. Afghanistan, ranked 158th, defended resolutely and created a few half-chances of their own.

The first half was a scrappy affair, with both teams feeling aggrieved by penalty decisions that went against them. India’s best chance came from Manvir Singh, who flicked a shot wide after being found by Lallianzuala Chhangte.

After the break, India continued to press but lacked the finesse to break down Afghanistan’s defense. Brandon Fernandes and Subhasish Bose were introduced as substitutes, but their impact was minimal.

India’s best opportunity came in the 80th minute from a corner-kick, but Bose headed wide. The result leaves India in second place in Group A with four points, behind leaders Qatar. Afghanistan remain bottom of the group with one point.

The return fixture in Guwahati on Tuesday will be crucial for both teams. India need a win to keep their hopes of reaching the third round of World Cup qualifying alive. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will be aiming to upset the odds and secure their first victory of the campaign.

Aitana Bonmati: The Ambitious Star of Women's Football

Aitana Bonmati: The Ambitious Star of Women’s Football

Aitana Bonmati, the reigning Ballon d’Or and FIFA Player of the Year, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of women’s football. Her exceptional skills and unwavering ambition have earned her comparisons to legendary players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Bonmati’s 2023 has been a year of triumph, with individual accolades and team victories. She attributes her success to the winning mentality and improved physicality of the Spanish national team. However, her hunger for more is insatiable.

“I want to be a better Aitana every year,” she declares. Her sights are set on Olympic gold in 2024 and a record-breaking four titles for Barcelona in 2023-24.

Barcelona’s women’s team has been on a roll, winning the Liga F, Champions League, and Supercopa de Espana in 2022-23. They currently lead the Liga F standings and are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

While Bonmati acknowledges the team’s success, she emphasizes the importance of creating space for teammates. “Football is more than moving on your own,” she says. “It is also about creating space for your teammates.”

Beyond trophies, Bonmati aspires to leave a lasting legacy. She wants to be remembered for her impact on teammates and coaches. “One of the most important things I would like to have when I retire is what other players and coaches say about me,” she reveals.

Bonmati’s newfound status as a global icon gives her a platform to advocate for women’s football. She believes that institutions need to invest more in the sport to provide opportunities for growth.

“There is a lot to do and salary is just one of the things,” she says. “I would like institutions to make a good investment in women’s football so that it gives us an opportunity to grow.”

Bonmati hopes that one day, boys and girls will have women footballers as idols. “That didn’t exist” in her time, she says. “I grew up idolising Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Lionel Messi for the way they took care of the ball.”

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart