FIFA and a handful of confederations control calendar, revenue, and rules. National leagues and fan groups have little formal say in decisions that reshape their game.
More competitions, more travel, more fixtures. Players are pushed to physical limits while broadcasters and sponsors capture the value.
Wealthy owners, private equity, and sovereign funds treat clubs as assets. Profits are extracted through debt, dividends, and inflated ticket prices.
Money pools at the top. Youth leagues, women's football, and community programs are underfunded despite producing the players and fans the industry depends on.