FIFA is facing the threat of legal action from Fifpro and the World Leagues Association, including the Premier League, if it proceeds with plans to host a 32-team Club World Cup at the end of the upcoming season.
Both organizations argue that the global football calendar is already oversaturated, making it difficult for national leagues to organize their competitions properly and putting players at risk of injury and impacting their welfare.
The PFA has been seeking legal advice over the lack of consultation regarding the congested calendar and its potential impact on its members.
PFA chief executive Maheta Molango has participated in discussions, including at the European Leagues general assembly, where Premier League chief executive Richard Masters expressed concerns about the calendar reaching a tipping point.
Next season, all three European club competitions will expand to 36 teams, with the Champions League and Europa League featuring eight first-phase games instead of six. This could mean a club needs to play 17 matches to win either competition.
Manchester City and Chelsea are among the 12 European representatives at the expanded Club World Cup, to be held in the United States in June and July next year.
In a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and general secretary Mattias Grafstrom, Fifpro and the World Leagues Association suggest that if FIFA extends its competitions, it should adjust others. However, FIFA believes it has taken player welfare into account with its scheduling program.
The FIFA Council meeting in Thailand will include a vote on the host nation or nations of the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with all 211 member associations in attendance.
The threat of legal action against FIFA coincides with Premier League clubs announcing lucrative post and pre-season tours.