FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reiterated that player welfare is a top priority for the organization, despite facing legal complaints from top European leagues and the global players’ union, Fifpro. The controversy arose after FIFA's unilateral decisions regarding the international fixture calendar, particularly the introduction of a new 32-team Club World Cup next summer.
European leagues and Fifpro have accused FIFA of abusing its dominant position under EU competition law by making these changes without proper consultation. They argue that FIFA's actions have jeopardized player welfare and negatively impacted the economic interests of clubs and leagues.
In response, Infantino took to Instagram, posting a photo of a meeting with David Aganzo, president of the Spanish football union AFE, in Miami. In the caption, he wrote, “FIFA continues to work with player bodies to ensure player welfare remains a priority. I look forward to continuing our work with David and everyone at AFE to achieve this goal.”
While Fifpro has remained silent on the matter, sources indicate that the meeting between Infantino and Aganzo was personal. However, concerns surrounding player welfare have been escalating. In September, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri added his voice to the growing discontent, warning that players were "close" to going on strike if their concerns about the congested fixture calendar continued to be ignored.
On Monday, Fifpro, alongside European Leagues—which represents 39 leagues including the English Premier League and over 1,100 clubs across 33 countries—filed a formal complaint to the European Commission. This follows a separate legal challenge submitted to Belgian courts, where unions are seeking a ruling from the European Court of Justice on whether FIFA’s actions violate the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
One of the key grievances centers on the scheduling of the Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States. The tournament will run until July 13, leaving players with minimal time for rest before domestic leagues begin preparing for the next season.
FIFA has defended its actions, insisting that the revised calendar was a result of extensive consultations. The organization has also accused certain leagues, including the Premier League, of hypocrisy for scheduling their own pre-season events despite their criticisms of FIFA’s calendar.
In the midst of this dispute, it remains to be seen how FIFA will navigate the mounting pressure from players, unions, and leagues as concerns about player welfare continue to dominate the conversation.
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