European football’s leading leagues and global players’ union FIFPRO have expanded their legal complaint against FIFA to cover concerns over the governing body’s treatment of the women’s game.
European Leagues, which represents 53 professional divisions and 1,328 clubs across 34 countries, originally lodged a complaint with the European Commission in October 2024 over FIFA’s handling of the men’s international calendar.
The organisation alleged that FIFA had abused its dominant position under European competition law by failing to properly involve national leagues and player representatives in decisions surrounding the international schedule.
Women’s game added to European Commission complaint
In an announcement on Tuesday, European Leagues confirmed that its complaint would now also address what it described as FIFA’s “abusive conduct regarding the women’s international match calendar and related women’s football regulatory decisions”.
The group warned that FIFA’s approach could damage the development and financial stability of women’s professional leagues while also creating concerns over player welfare.
“FIFA’s conduct threatens the growth and financial sustainability of women’s professional leagues, and risks player health and wellbeing,” European Leagues said.
It also called on the European Commission to intervene, arguing that decisions affecting the future of women’s professional football should not be made unilaterally by FIFA.
European Leagues said the latest submission follows the same concerns raised in its original case, particularly over FIFA’s dual role as football’s governing body and organiser of competitions.
It claims that this creates a conflict of interest, with Fifa allegedly using its regulatory authority to benefit its own competitions and commercial interests at the expense of national leagues.
Women’s leagues strengthen European Leagues membership
The dispute comes after European Leagues expanded its membership in June by adding 14 women’s divisions, including the Women’s Super League and Scottish Women’s Premier League.
Its membership also includes major men’s competitions such as the Premier League, English Football League, Scottish Professional Football League, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga.
FIFA has been approached for a response to the latest allegations.
The development comes during a period of heightened scrutiny of Gianni Infantino and Fifa following controversy surrounding a proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors.
UEFA had threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, before dropping the stance after receiving assurances that the proposal would not proceed.
Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016, is expected to seek a third term in March, potentially extending his tenure until 2031.
