European Leagues Body Accuses FIFA of ‘Abusive Conduct’ Over Women’s Football Calendar

The European Leagues body, which represents domestic football competitions across the continent, has accused FIFA of "abusive conduct" in relation to the scheduling of women's football matches in Europe, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

The organization first lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission in October 2024, at the time seeking protections for men's players against what it described as an overcrowded international match calendar set by FIFA, the sport's global governing body.

According to Al Jazeera's report, the European Leagues body has now broadened its concerns to the women's game, arguing that FIFA's approach to organizing the women's football calendar in Europe amounts to similarly problematic practices.

The complaint reflects ongoing tensions between domestic league organizers and FIFA over control of fixture scheduling, with leagues arguing that international commitments imposed by FIFA can conflict with club competition calendars and player welfare considerations.

FIFA has not yet issued a public response to the latest accusations, as reported by Al Jazeera. The European Commission has not confirmed the current status of its review of the original complaint filed in 2024.

The dispute adds to a broader pattern of friction between FIFA and various stakeholders in professional football, including leagues, clubs and player unions, over calendar congestion and decision-making authority in the sport.