Players and leagues threaten legal action against FIFA over new men’s competition in Club World Cup

Global players’ union FIFPRO and the World Leagues Forum have taken a stand against FIFA’s plans for the new men’s Club World Cup, citing concerns over player welfare and the congested football calendar. In a letter addressed to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the union has demanded that the 32-team competition, scheduled for June and July 2025, be postponed.

The letter comes in the wake of growing discontent among players and leagues, with Chelsea and Manchester City already qualified for the event set to take place in the United States. The expansion of FIFA competitions by Infantino has raised alarm bells, with fears that players are being overworked and their health put at risk.

Sky News previously reported concerns from English players regarding the number of games they are being asked to play, leading to the threat of legal action against football authorities. Now, FIFPRO and the World Leagues Forum have escalated the issue to a global level, warning of potential legal action against FIFA if their concerns are not addressed.

The letter to Infantino highlighted FIFA’s unilateral decisions that prioritize its own competitions and commercial interests, to the detriment of national leagues and players. The union emphasized the need for FIFA to address the saturation of the football calendar, which is impacting the welfare and rights of players.

With FIFA’s plans for the Club World Cup set to replace the previous format and take place every four years, the pressure is mounting for the governing body to reconsider its approach. As key FIFA meetings loom in Bangkok, Thailand, next week, the football world waits to see how this standoff will unfold.