THE PREMIER League and the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) are suing Fifa alongside other European domestic leagues and unions over what they allege is abuse of a dominant position.

Football’s world governing body is accused of taking “unilateral decisions” on the international match calendar which is now “beyond saturation” in a joint complaint to the European Commission by umbrella bodies European Leagues and Fifpro Europe.

The leagues and unions say Fifa’s conduct has “harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the welfare of players” and argue Fifa’s role as a regulator and competition organiser is a conflict of interest. Fifa hit back in its own statement responding to the complaint, accusing some leagues of “hypocrisy.”