The World Leagues Association, representing over 40 professional leagues, is increasing pressure on FIFA to include them and the players’ union FIFPRO in a shared decision-making process for the international football calendar, warning that the current imbalance and competition overload threaten the sport’s foundations.
The World Leagues Association (WLA), chaired by Premier League CEO Richard Masters, is escalating its demand for FIFA to democratize its decision-making process, particularly concerning the crowded international football calendar. Despite jointly proposing a global governance framework with players’ union FIFPRO, both bodies continue to be excluded from FIFA’s stakeholder table, creating a glaring imbalance as club bodies are included. The WLA warns that the “unprecedented expansion” of international competitions threatens the crucial balance with domestic leagues and risks fracturing the sport’s global popularity. The organization asserts that dialogue is now crucial and that protecting domestic leagues is essential for the health of football at all levels.