In a significant escalation of its legal battle, the umbrella organisations European Leagues and FIFPro have broadened their complaint to the European Commission, accusing FIFA of abusing its dominant position in European competition law and of imposing regulatory decisions that jeopardise the development of women’s football.
A Coordinated Legal Push
The complaint, originally lodged in October 2024, now targets FIFA’s alleged interference in the women’s international match calendar and related governance choices, which the groups say threaten the financial stability and health of professional women’s leagues across the continent.
European Leagues, which represents 53 professional divisions and 1,328 clubs in 34 countries, welcomed 14 women’s divisions to its membership in June, including the Women’s Super League and the Scottish Women’s Premier League, underscoring its commitment to expanding support for the women’s game.
FIFA’s authority as both the governing body and the organiser of competitions has been called into question, with critics arguing that its dual role creates a conflict of interest that favours its own commercial agenda over the interests of women’s football and the broader European club ecosystem.
The organisations warn that FIFA’s unilateral decisions on scheduling and calendar formation could stifle growth, undermine investment, and put players at risk, prompting the European Commission to consider invoking EU competition law to curb what they describe as an abusive exercise of power.
European Leagues and FIFPro have urged the Commission to act swiftly, emphasising that respect for EU competition rules is essential to ensure that women’s football can thrive without being dictated solely by a single governing body.