Fifpro meet with Fifa over fixture congestion concerns

Player representatives have met with Fifa over the packed fixture calendar that has led to the threat of strike action, with further talks planned.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino led a delegation from the world governing body who met officials from world players’ union Fifpro in Switzerland.

It was the first time the two sides had met in a formal setting since a legal complaint was filed by Fifpro with the European Commission in October over what it said was Fifa’s “abuse of dominance”, which was specifically related to the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, which takes place in the United States this summer.

“I was pleased to welcome new Fifpro president Sergio Marchi to Zurich to discuss with him and his Fifpro colleagues the opportunity to strengthen our co-operation and create synergies for the benefit of players across the world,” Infantino said.

“Players are at the heart of Fifa’s considerations, and we aim to collaborate with Fifpro in a spirit of respect and mutual support. Fifa feels very strongly about the input and voice of players within our institution, and we will work closely with president Marchi and his team to protect the players and the game.”

Sources say that while the meeting was cordial, there is a belief Infantino has been pushed into it by the strike threat, which was outlined by a number of leading players earlier this season, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri among the most vocal.

Exact prize money for the Club World Cup is yet to be announced but the 12 European teams involved will demand significant sums to compensate for the fact they will not be able to arrange lucrative pre-season tours.

In addition, it will limit the ability to prepare for the 2025-26 campaign. Premier League Chelsea and Manchester City already know the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 13 July comes five weeks before the start of the new season.

City boss Pep Guardiola previously said his club had been refused permission to start later. Players are supposed to be allowed a break of three weeks between seasons.

It has not been made clear what would happen if either club was involved in the Community Shield on 9 or 10 August.