The Premier League and other European domestic leagues are suing FIFA over what they allege is abuse of a dominant position.
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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 has hit back in its own statement responding to the complaint, accusing some leagues of "hypocrisy".
The soccer body has been accused of a failure to consult over recent changes to the calendar, such as the introduction of a 32-team Club World Cup.
"The international match calendar is now beyond saturation and has become unsustainable for national leagues and a risk for the health of players," a joint statement from the leagues and unions read.
"FIFA's decisions over the last years have repeatedly favoured its own competitions and commercial interests, neglected its responsibilities as a governing body, and harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the welfare of players.
"Legal action is now the only responsible step for European leagues and player unions to protect football, its ecosystem and its workforce from FIFA's unilateral decisions."
The statement refers to the Super League judgment from the European Court of Justice last December, which required FIFA and other governing bodies to exercise their regulatory functions in a way that is transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate.
A FIFA spokesperson said on Tuesday: "The current calendar was unanimously approved by the FIFA Council, which is composed of representatives from all continents, including Europe, following a comprehensive and inclusive consultation, which included FIFPRO and league bodies.
"FIFA's calendar is the only instrument ensuring that international football can continue to survive, co-exist, and prosper alongside domestic and continental club football.
"FIFA must protect the overall interests of world football, including the protection of players, everywhere and at all levels of the game."
Australian Associated Press
