Player welfare ‘remains a priority’ for FIFA – Infantino

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino says player welfare “remains a priority” for his outfit despite the top European leagues and players’ union FIFPRO filing a legal complaint to the European Commission.

The World football’s governing body has been accused of abusing a dominant position under EU competition law by failing to properly consult over the international fixture calendar, which included the introduction of a new 32-team Club World Cup next summer.

Unions and clubs said FIFA has harmed the economic interests of leagues and jeopardised player welfare through its “unilateral” approach.

The FIFA chief posted a photo of himself on Instagram, external meeting David Aganzo, the president of the Spanish union AFE, in Miami.

Underneath it he wrote “FIFA continues to work with player bodies to ensure player welfare remains a priority. I look forward to continue working with David and everyone at AFE to achieve this goal”.

World players’ union FIFPRO declined to comment, but sources told the PA news agency that Aganzo’s meeting with Infantino was a personal one.

In September, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri joined a growing chorus of voices in the game who suggested players were “close” to going on strike if their concerns on the congested calendar were not heard.

FIFPRO lodged the complaint to the European Commission on Monday alongside European Leagues, which represents 39 leagues – including the English Premier League – and 1,130 clubs across 33 countries.

A separate legal challenge has also been submitted the Belgian courts. In that case, the unions want the European Court of Justice to rule whether Fifa’s actions breach the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The scheduling of the Club World Cup in the United States is regarded as the tipping point in sparking the call for action as it will not finish until 13 July, leaving little time for an off-season break before preparations for domestic campaigns begin.

FIFA insisted the calendar agreement was the result of extensive consultation, and has accused leagues of hypocrisy because many of them, including the Premier League, have scheduled pre-season events of their own.