Players union FIFPRO is reportedly threatening to sue FIFA over the implementation of the new expanded FIFA Club World Cup next year.
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Next season, Mamelodi Sundowns are one of Africa's representatives, alongside Al Ahly, Wydad Athletic Club and Esperance de Tunis, at the new iteration of global tournament.
However, that participation is now under threat after FIFPRO, in conjunction with the World Leagues Association (WLA), threatened to take legal action against world football’s governing body over the expanded version of the competition.
The competition was originally a one-off match which was played between the winners of the European Cup/UEFA Champions League and the holders of the Copa Libertadores. In 2000, FIFA expanded the tournament to what it is today, but it will now be expanded to 32 teams next year.
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Set to take place over the course of 29 days, this means that clubs will have to play more fixtures after the conclusion of their respective domestic campaigns. Couple that with the expansion of tournaments such as the UEFA Champions League, and it looks as though FIFPRO are very much not advocates for FIFA's new plans to congest the football calendar even more.
This has led to the players union and the WLA signing a joint letter warning the Gianni Infantino-led body they could sue if the match calendar is not revised.
FIFA has since responded, explaining that the timing of the tournament, as it stands, should not cause any issues for clubs.
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"The FCWC tournament dates (15 June – 13 July) have been set to ensure that the scheduling of the tournament is harmoniously aligned with the IMC to allow sufficient time between the tournament final and the start of the season in many domestic leagues globally, and considering that a minimum of three days of rest between matches should be guaranteed in order to safeguard player welfare," a statement from FIFA reads, as per Ahram Online.
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