The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has called for a dialogue between itself and the angry bodies who have threatened legal actions against the association.
These football bodies include the World Leagues Association, which comprises of 46 leagues; the European Leagues, which represents 39 leagues in 33 countries; and the global players’ union FIFPRO. These groups have expressed their dissatisfaction about the latest football calendar and has described it as an “abuse of dominance” in the game.
This comes at the back of FIFA’s plan to host a 32-team Club World Cup tournament at the end of next season. In a joint statement, the aforementioned groups explained how this initiative would have a negative effect on the players.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA has reiterated an invitation to meet and discuss the calendar with World Leagues Association and FIFPRO, having received no response to a letter on 10 May 2024.
“FIFA believes there is a more productive way forward for football than the threat of legal action and the offer to engage in dialogue remains on the table.
“FIFA serves and balances the overall interests of world football, including the protection of players, and always strives to do what is best for the game around the world.”