Football in Strike Mode: FIFPRO's Battle Against FIFA Plans

The atmosphere in international football is simmering: the players are closer than ever to going on strike. The reason for this is growing dissatisfaction with the governing bodies, particularly FIFA and its controversial Club World Cup. This format is partly compared to the failed Super League, as emphasized by the chairman of the player union FIFPRO Europe, David Terrier. After drafting a joint complaint to the European Union competition authorities, Terrier, along with the European Leagues Association and Spain's LaLiga, sharply criticized FIFA. They accuse the association of "abuse," as the international match calendar is overloaded. Terrier emphasizes that only social dialogue can save the fragile balance in the sport. Terrier, who, as a union leader, remains convinced of the idea of dialogue despite the thoughts of a strike, sees the danger of an impending extreme scenario. He is supported by players such as France's captain Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City's Rodri, who criticize the packed match schedule. Experts continue to resist the possibility of a strike in the Premier League, but dissatisfaction is growing. The Club World Cup is merely a pretext to create a similar structure to the failed Super League. Terrier sees this as a dangerous precedent that could threaten the essence of football. The event is scheduled to take place in 2025 with 32 clubs in the USA, but questions about financing remain open. Terrier demands that FIFA use its financial reserves to support needy clubs instead of funding prestigious tournaments.