The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), representing Premier League players among others, has initiated legal proceedings against FIFA's plans to expand the Club World Cup.

The PFA's primary concern is the increased risk of player burnout due to an overloaded football calendar.

According to the PFA, FIFA's decision to expand the Club World Cup was made without any consultation or engagement with player unions. The association describes the new tournament format as a "tipping point for the football calendar," emphasizing the detrimental impact on players' ability to have meaningful breaks between seasons.

The legal action, filed in the Belgian court system, is a collaborative effort with other European players' unions. These groups are calling on FIFA to abandon the plans for the 32-team competition scheduled for June and July 2025. Global players' union FIFPRO and the World Leagues Association have also expressed their opposition, having sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino demanding the cancellation of the tournament. Their letter criticized FIFA's decision as "inherently abusive" due to the additional games imposed on players.

The expanded Club World Cup is set to take place every four years, replacing the current annual seven-team event, which Manchester City won in December. The new format will feature 12 European teams, progressing through a three-team group stage followed by up to four knockout matches to reach the final.

Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, has voiced concerns about FIFA's lack of consultation over the competition. This new tournament comes on the heels of UEFA's decision to expand the Champions League, further adding to the number of matches players must compete in. Masters noted that players are already expressing concerns about the excessive amount of football they are required to play.

If teams qualify for all new competitions, some Premier League players could be required to play more than 85 matches in a single year for both club and country. This congested fixture list leaves players with minimal time for rest and recovery. Despite repeated demands, FIFA has yet to implement a mandatory 28-day off-season break, which is crucial for player health and well-being.

FIFA, however, argues that the expanded Club World Cup aims to grow the game globally. The organization claims it has secured an agreement from the European Club Association (ECA), with whom it has a commercial partnership. Nonetheless, there is evident tension between FIFA's ambitions and the practical concerns of player welfare.

Real Madrid, one of the prominent clubs expected to participate, recently confirmed their commitment to the tournament. This is despite reports suggesting that manager Carlo Ancelotti had told Italian media the club would "refuse" to participate.

The legal challenge led by the PFA and supported by other unions underscores a growing conflict within the football world. As the sport continues to globalize and commercialize, the balance between expanding competitions and maintaining player welfare becomes increasingly delicate.

The PFA's action reflects a broader concern among players and unions that the current trajectory of football's expansion is unsustainable. By pushing back against FIFA's plans, the PFA aims to protect players from the physical and mental toll of an excessively demanding schedule.

This legal battle may set a precedent for how future decisions about the football calendar are made, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration and consideration of player welfare. As the situation develops, it will be crucial for FIFA, domestic leagues, and players' unions to find a balanced approach that ensures the sport's growth does not come at the expense of those who play it.