BRUSSELS, BELGIUM— FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing an official investigation by European Union authorities following a high-profile regulatory conflict tied to international football operations and player eligibility frameworks.

The investigation centers on allegations that football’s global governing body may have breached EU competition laws and market regulations during its handling of administrative and cross-border player disputes.

European regulators are examining whether FIFA’s internal decisions and rules under Infantino’s leadership created unfair restrictions or violated the legal rights of players and clubs operating within the single European market.

The probe adds substantial pressure on FIFA, which has faced a wave of legal challenges in European courts over its regulatory monopoly and international match scheduling.

European Union authorities have reiterated that global sports governing bodies must align their internal rules with European legal frameworks, particularly concerning labor rights and free movement.

FIFA has not yet issued an official response to the EU inquiry, but the outcome of the investigation could force a major restructuring of how international football governance operates across Europe.