FIFA has been called upon to reconsider its plans to host a 32-team Club World Cup at the end of the upcoming season, or else face potential legal consequences from the global players’ union FIFPRO and the World Leagues Association, as per a report by the BBC.
The three European club competitions are all set to expand to 36 teams starting next season, with an additional 32-team FIFA Club World Cup scheduled to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13 next year.
The concerns of the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) and the World Leagues Association (WLA) were outlined in a letter addressed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, stating that the football calendar is already overwhelmed and that national leagues are struggling to manage their competitions effectively.
The letter emphasized the potential risks of overburdening players and the negative impact on their health and well-being. FIFA has not yet responded to the letter, and FIFPRO and WLA have not provided further details on their concerns.
Both organizations are planning to address these issues at the upcoming FIFA ruling council meeting on May 17 in Bangkok, Thailand. Should FIFA fail to address these concerns, FIFPRO and WLA are prepared to inform their members about potential legal actions against the governing body, according to the BBC report.