FIFA open to holding talks on the football calendar after threat of legal action led by Premier League and PFA

FIFA has said it is happy to hold talks regarding the football calendar with the various bodies that have threatened legal action.

The Premier League and the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) are leading a group of unions and leagues set to sue FIFA over the international match calendar.

Last week, the European Leagues - a body that represents 39 leagues across 33 different countries - and global players' union Fifpro announced that they were set to sue FIFA over what they allege to be an 'abuse of dominance'.

The complaint suggested that football's world governing body had been abusing its position and damaging player welfare with a schedule which was now 'beyond saturation'.

The European Leagues and Fifpro claimed that FIFA's conduct has 'harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the welfare of players'.

They also argued that FIFA's role as a regulator and competition organiser was a conflict of interest, after the world governing body was accused of failing to consult with teams and organisations regarding the introduction of a 32-team Club World Cup. 

In response, a FIFA spokesperson said on Thursday: 'FIFA has reiterated an invitation to meet and discuss the calendar with World Leagues Association and Fifpro, having received no response to a letter on 10 May 2024.

'FIFA believes there is a more productive way forward for football than the threat of legal action and the offer to engage in dialogue remains on the table.

'FIFA serves and balances the overall interests of world football, including the protection of players, and always strives to do what is best for the game around the world.'