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VDV files EU complaint against FIFA: player calendar under pressure!
The VDV files an EU complaint against FIFA to protect playing rights and the international calendar of professional footballers.
VDV files EU complaint against FIFA: player calendar under pressure!
What is actually happening in football? The Association of Contracted Football Players (VDV) today lodged a complaint with the European Commission against FIFA. This was triggered by the excessive pressure on players associated with the international match calendar, particularly the upcoming new Club World Cup. This will take place next Saturday in the USA and lasts until July 13th. According to mainpost.de, the VDV sees a clear threat to the physical and mental health of the players.
In his statement, VDV President Carsten Ramelow criticized FIFA for abusing its dominant market position and making decisions unilaterally without properly consulting the player representatives. “We call on FIFA to include us in the planning of the international match calendar,” said Ramelow. The need for a healthy level of football is important not only for the players themselves, but also for the economic stability of the national leagues. The overloaded game calendar endangers the social and economic sustainability of traditional competitions, as Ramelow emphasizes. The DFB is also called upon to clearly advocate for the interests of the players and the national competitions.
Conflicts of interest and stress spirals
The criticism of FIFA is not just limited to the international match calendar. Rather, the VDV sees a conflict of interest in FIFA's dual role: According to Ramelow, as a norm setter and betting organizer, this approach is not only inappropriate, but could also be questionable under antitrust law and violate Article 102 of the TFEU. The players' union wants a structural change that enables innovative cooperation.
The VDV represents over 1,400 members and offers support in areas such as law, prevention, education and sports psychology. Particular attention is paid to the annual professional camp for players without a contract in order to offer them meaningful orientation.
Future of the international match calendar
On the other hand, the international match calendar will not stand still. The FIFA Council has already approved a new calendar for the period 2025 to 2030. Particular highlights are the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ with twelve groups of four and the final day of competition on July 19, 2026. Additional transfer reforms and the formation of a working group on player well-being have also been agreed to improve their health. Information about this can be found on fifa.com.
It remains to be seen whether the VDV will be heard with its EU complaint and whether fundamental changes will soon occur in football. The only thing that is certain is that the pressure on FIFA is increasing and the player representatives are demanding a stronger voice - for a better and more balanced future in football. It remains an exciting topic that should concern all football fans.