FIFA Under Pressure! European Leagues Expand Legal Action Over Women’s Football Calendar

European football’s major domestic leagues, alongside global players’ union FIFPRO, have expanded their legal complaint against FIFA to include concerns over the governing body’s handling of women’s football.

According to Bush Radio Academy, European Leagues, an organisation representing 53 professional divisions and 1,328 clubs across 34 countries, initially filed a complaint with the European Commission in October 2024 over FIFA’s management of the men’s international match calendar.

The organisation alleged that FIFA had abused its dominant position under European competition law by failing to adequately consult domestic leagues and player representatives before making decisions concerning the international football schedule.

European Leagues has now extended the complaint to cover what it described as FIFA’s alleged “abusive conduct” in relation to the women’s international match calendar and other regulatory decisions affecting women’s football.

The organisation warned that FIFA’s approach could negatively affect the growth and financial sustainability of women’s professional leagues while also raising concerns about the welfare and health of players.

European Leagues has called on the European Commission to intervene, arguing that decisions capable of significantly affecting the future of women’s professional football should not be determined solely by FIFA.

The group maintained that its latest submission is based on concerns similar to those contained in its original complaint, particularly FIFA’s dual position as football’s global governing body and an organiser of major competitions.

According to the organisation, FIFA’s dual role could create a conflict of interest, with the governing body allegedly able to use its regulatory authority in ways that favour its own competitions and commercial interests over the interests of domestic leagues.

The legal dispute comes after European Leagues strengthened its representation in women’s football by admitting 14 women’s divisions to its membership in June. Among the competitions now represented are the Women’s Super League and Scottish Women’s Premier League.

Its wider membership also includes some of Europe’s leading men’s competitions, such as the Premier League, English Football League, Scottish Professional Football League, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga.

FIFA has been asked to respond to the latest allegations.

The development comes amid increased scrutiny of FIFA President Gianni Infantino following controversy surrounding a proposal involving the sale of stakes in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors.

UEFA had previously threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, over the proposal but later withdrew the threat after receiving assurances that the plan would not go ahead.

Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016, is expected to seek another term in March, which could potentially extend his presidency until 2031.