Watch: Football leagues and union appeal to EU against Fifa’s packed calendar

Holly Patrick
Monday 14 October 2024 13:21 BST
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Watch as the European Leagues umbrella body, FIFPRO players' union and Spain's LaLiga appealed to the European Union (EU) on Monday, 14 October, over Fifa's packed football calendar.

It comes as elite clubs are increasingly concerned at the impact of ballooning schedules on the wellbeing of players.

Some clubs say their players are struggling with the physical and psychological strain of the calendar, despite the enormous salaries they can earn.

Speakers on Monday will include LaLiga president Javier Tebas, Premier League's director international of Football Relations and EU Affairs Mathieu Moreuil, UNFP vice president and FIFPRO Europe president David Terrier, Pro League CEO Lorin Parys, AIC president Umberto Calcagno, and NISO executive president Kristoffer Vatshaug.

The groups say the international match calendar, including an expanded Champions League and Club World Cup, has become unsustainable for national leagues and a health risk for players and have accused Fifa of abusing its market power.

Fifa says the calendar was unanimously approved by its council after a comprehensive consultation, including FIFPRO and league bodies.

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