**FIFA Accused of ‘Abusive Conduct’ Over Women’s Football Calendar in Europe**
FIFA is facing increased scrutiny following allegations of "abusive conduct" towards the women's game in Europe. The European Leagues umbrella group, which represents various football leagues including the Premier League and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), has expanded its legal complaint against FIFA to include concerns about the women’s international match calendar.
Originally filed with the European Commission in October 2024, the complaint alleged that FIFA had abused its dominant position under European competition law by failing to adequately consult with leagues regarding the men’s international match calendar, which was announced in 2023. The recent extension of this complaint reflects growing concerns about the impact of FIFA's decisions on women's football, particularly following the formal inclusion of 14 European women’s leagues into the European Leagues organization in June.
The European Leagues issued a statement emphasizing that FIFA's actions threaten the growth and financial sustainability of women's professional leagues. They argue that the governing body’s unilateral decisions could endanger player health and well-being. "The European Commission must now act to ensure that EU law is respected and that the future of women’s professional football is not determined unilaterally by FIFA," the statement read.
The complaint highlights a pattern of conduct where FIFA is seen to have conflicting roles as both a governing body and a competition organizer. This dual role has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, with the European Leagues asserting that FIFA prioritizes its own commercial interests over the welfare of women's football and national leagues.
FIFA has responded to these allegations by stating that the international match calendar established at its 2023 Congress was developed after extensive consultations with all stakeholders, including leagues. The organization maintains that it has the authority to set the parameters for its competitions, such as the Club World Cup, as long as they align with the established calendar framework.
The timing of the legal complaint coincides with ongoing criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has faced backlash from three continental confederations over a now-abandoned plan to seek private investment for a new company intended to manage both men's and women’s World Cups, as well as other FIFA competitions. This proposed entity, called FIFA Forward Enterprise, was to be partially owned by private investors, a move that raised concerns about the potential commercialization of football governance.
In its statement, the European Leagues suggested that the controversy surrounding Infantino's investment plan further illustrates the structural conflict between FIFA's regulatory and commercial roles. They argue that profit-driven motives are influencing FIFA's regulatory decisions and overall decision-making processes.
As the situation develops, the European Leagues are calling for immediate action from the European Commission to address the issues raised in their complaint and to safeguard the future of women’s football in Europe. The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for the governance of football and the treatment of women’s leagues and players in the international arena.