The message is clear: FIFA has to reschedule the 2025 Club World Cup calendar or face a lawsuit. This was announced by Fifpro, the organization that represents 65,000 professional footballers worldwide, and the World Leagues Association (WLA), a forum that represents professional football leagues.
The well-being of the players due to the accumulation of matches and the difficulties of coordinating this tournament with the national leagues are the main complaints. The 2025 Club World Cup, to which Fluminense, Flamengo and Palmeiras have already obtained a ticket, will be played from June 15 to July 13 with 32 teams from the different confederations.
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“FIFA’s recent strategic approach to developing its own competitions is negatively disrupting the football industry, endangering national leagues and affecting the health and well-being of players,” said a letter sent to Gianni Infantino, president of the FIFA. governing body of world football.
In that letter they urged FIFA to announce at its congress that will be held in Thailand next week a rescheduling of the tournament calendar to be held in the United States. Otherwise, “we will be forced to advise our members on the options available to safeguard their interests” which include “legal action,” they warned.
The letter complained about the lack of consultation when announcing new tournaments and also points to the holding of the Intercontinental Cup. The title, with a new format, will pit the Champions League champion against the winner of a key that will face the winner of the other continental cups, including the Libertadores, at the end of this year.
In its response, FIFA indicated that Fifpro and the WLA were consulted about the modifications to the official calendar, and although it indicated that it is open to talking, it was categorical in confirming that it has no intention of altering the dates of the tournaments.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the first five episodes available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel. Stay tuned for upcoming releases as we keep telling this legend’s life story.
