FIFA has responded to claims made by Fifpro and the World Leagues Association (WLA) regarding the scheduling of a 32-team Club World Cup, rejecting allegations that the organizations were not consulted.
In a letter seen by BBC Sport, FIFA stated that it has a responsibility to implement an international match calendar in the best interests of world football. The governing body insisted that Fifpro and the WLA were indeed consulted about changes to the overall 2025-30 international match calendar, which includes the 2025 Club World Cup. This tournament was confirmed by the FIFA Council in December 2022. FIFA maintained that it has the right to set the parameters of its competitions while adhering to the existing regulatory framework.
Despite Fifpro and the WLA’s concerns about player welfare, FIFA affirmed its stance on the scheduling of the upcoming Club World Cup, indicating that it has no intention of altering the event. The tournament is set to take place in the USA from June 13 to July 15, 2025, with notable European clubs such as Manchester City and Chelsea among the participants. FIFA highlighted that domestic member leagues, like the Premier League, have the autonomy to organize their own competitions, citing past instances such as international tours.
While FIFA disagreed with the tone and content of the letter from Fifpro and the WLA, it expressed willingness to address their concerns through dialogue. The governing body extended an invitation to further discussions, stating that it is open to meeting at a convenient time for the organizations. FIFA emphasized the need for constructive engagement to resolve any issues surrounding the Club World Cup and other matters related to international football.
FIFA questioned whether Fifpro and the WLA had engaged with other relevant bodies, pointing out that their games constitute only a fraction of the total elite club games worldwide. The governing body encouraged Fifpro and the WLA to consider broader perspectives and engage with a wider range of stakeholders in discussions about the future of international football competitions. This invitation reflects FIFA’s commitment to fostering collaboration and finding solutions that benefit the global football community as a whole.
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