Legal action against Fifa includes 'abusive conduct' towards women's game
September 8, 2026 13:30
European Leagues and global players' union Fifpro have broadened their legal complaint against Fifa to cover conduct affecting the women's international match calendar and other women's football regulatory decisions. The original complaint, filed with the European Commission in October 2024, targeted Fifa's handling of the men's international calendar and alleged abuse of a dominant position under EU competition law.
The extended submission accuses Fifa of a similar pattern of behaviour in the women's game, arguing its regulatory choices favour Fifa-organised competitions and jeopardise the development and financial stability of professional women's leagues, as well as player welfare.
KEY CONTEXT
- European Leagues represents 53 professional divisions and 1,328 clubs across 34 countries and added 14 women's divisions to its membership in June, including the Women's Super League and the Scottish Women's Premier League.
- The original complaint argued Fifa had excluded national leagues and player unions from decisions on a new men's international calendar announced in 2023, creating a conflict between Fifa's roles as regulator and competition organiser.
- Fifa has been under intense scrutiny recently after proposing to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions via the Fifa Forward Enterprise plan; that proposal was scrapped following widespread opposition and a threatened Uefa boycott, which was later withdrawn after assurances from Fifa.
- Uefa has pursued legal steps in the US seeking disclosure from Fifa and warned it might file a criminal complaint in Switzerland; Fifa has responded by accusing Uefa of a "smear campaign".
WHY IT MATTERS
If the European Commission accepts the extended complaint, it could require investigation of Fifa's regulatory decisions affecting women's football across Europe. European Leagues contends that Fifa’s conduct endangers the growth and commercial viability of women’s professional leagues and could have implications for player health and wellbeing. The case frames Fifa’s dual role as regulator and competition organiser as a structural problem that may systematically prioritise Fifa’s own commercial interests over national leagues and players.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- The European Commission’s response to the expanded complaint: whether it opens a formal investigation or requests further information.
- Any follow-up legal action by Uefa in the US or elsewhere and Fifa’s formal rebuttals to the extended allegations.
- How the dispute affects ongoing calendar planning and regulatory decisions for both men's and women's international football.
- The political timeline around Fifa leadership, given Gianni Infantino is reported to be set to stand for re-election in March and is seeking a third term until 2031.
KEY FACTS
- The complaint was first filed in October 2024 and has now been widened to include the women's international calendar and related regulatory decisions, according to European Leagues.
- European Leagues represents 53 divisions and 1,328 clubs in 34 countries and added 14 women's divisions to its membership in June.
- The complaint alleges Fifa’s dual role as regulator and competition organiser creates conflicts of interest that disadvantage national leagues and players.
- Fifa’s proposed FFE plan to sell stakes in competitions was scrapped after global opposition and a threatened Uefa boycott; Uefa later dropped the boycott after assurances.
- Uefa has sought disclosure from Fifa in US courts and warned of potential criminal complaints in Switzerland; Fifa has accused Uefa of a smear campaign.