The competition, with seven to 32 teams, is scheduled to take place from June to July 2025, despite unions raising concerns about increased physical and mental strain on players.
advertisementThe players’ union has filed a legal challenge to FIFA over a new, larger version of the Club World Cup to be held in the United States next year.
FIFA increased the number of teams participating in the tournament from seven to 32, sparking concerns from players’ associations who fear mental and physical breakdown amid an already overcrowded schedule.
The claim has been submitted to the Brussels Commercial Court and will likely be passed on to the European Court of Justice.
“Players and unions have consistently emphasized that the current football schedule is overloaded and unworkable,” FIFPRO Europe said in a statement.
After FIFA announced its plan to form 32 teams last December, the association immediately opposed it, saying, “It shows a lack of consideration for the mental and physical health of participating players and a disregard for their personal and family lives.”
But FIFA said the timing of the month-long tournament, which falls during the off-season of many major leagues around the world, would ensure players are well-rested.
FIFPRO said it was ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’.
Hosting the Club World Cup in 2025 means the top players will face a major competition for the third year in a row during a typical off-season. Euro 2024 Championship This year, the Copa America and Copa America will be held, and the next World Cup will be in 2026.
“All attempts at dialogue have failed, so it is now up to us to ensure that athletes’ fundamental rights are fully respected,” said FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier.
“This is not a matter of stigmatizing a particular competition, but of blaming both the underlying problem and the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
