FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing mounting backlash after the global players’ union, FIFPRO, strongly criticised the expanded Club World Cup staged during the domestic off-season. The union accused the football governing body of prioritizing commercial interests over player welfare, following a meeting of 58 national player unions.
The players reported extreme conditions during the month-long tournament in the U.S., with several citing dizziness and fatigue due to daytime heat exposure, which was designed to boost global television ratings.
FIFPRO condemned what it described as an “autocratic” leadership style from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, adding that football “needs responsible leadership, not emperors.” Their statement highlighted the lack of recovery time for elite players under the current calendar. This concern worsens with the new Football 2025 schedule.
Despite reported health risks, FIFA went ahead with celebrating the 63-game tournament, which was backed by Saudi funding. The organization did so without formally consulting the players who were central to the event. FIFPRO claimed the tournament’s planning and execution reflect a governance model that ignores fundamental human rights, even for elite athletes.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino Sparks Governance Complaint in Brussels
Tensions between FIFA and global player unions intensified after FIFA President Gianni Infantino hosted a gathering in New York. The meeting included mostly non-recognized football officials, further straining relations with established player unions.. The meeting occurred shortly before the Club World Cup final, where FIFA asserted that consensus had been reached on future football policies. However, FIFPRO has rejected this claim.
As a result, FIFPRO’s European division, alongside national football leagues, lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission in Brussels. The complaint challenges FIFA’s unilateral decision-making, asserting it undermines player welfare and the integrity of football governance. It also calls out the lack of inclusive dialogue, transparency, and respect for recognized union representation.
The core of the complaint focuses on FIFA’s aggressive push to expand competitions, particularly with plans for Football 2025. These expansions overcrowd the match calendar and put players’ health at risk.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s Leadership Model Faces Global Backlash
According to FIFPRO, FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s approach to governance has led to a system where players — the heart of the game — are sidelined. The union voiced serious concern over FIFA’s ongoing operations without a formal agreement with player representatives. This follows the expiration of their last collective bargaining agreement in 2023.
“The current model puts players at serious risk and offers no platform for genuine input,” FIFPRO stated. The group reaffirmed its commitment to protecting player rights, warning that FIFA’s commercial strategies threaten to erode those protections further. They called for immediate reforms to ensure meaningful dialogue with recognized football officials. They also emphasized the need for proper health safeguards to protect all professional athletes.
