FIFA has reached an agreement with the players’ union FIFPRO that guarantees professional player representatives a greater say in the world governing body’s council meetings. As part of the deal, FIFPRO is dropping all pending lawsuits against FIFA.
The agreement, which recognizes FIFPRO as the global representative and social partner of players as employees, takes effect immediately and is initially valid until December 31, 2031.
The agreement marks a rapprochement following sometimes intense conflicts between the two sides, particularly regarding the international match calendar and the increasing workload for professionals. In October 2024, FIFPRO filed a complaint with the European Commission and warned of increasing overwork. Going forward, the collaboration will also cover issues such as player welfare, transfer rules, and scheduling.
FIFPRO representatives will now be represented on various committees of the world governing body. “This underscores the shared commitment to ensuring that the voices of players are better heard and appropriately represented in FIFA’s decision-making processes,” the union stated in a press release.
“New Era of Collaboration and Player Representation”
FIFA described it as a “groundbreaking agreement” and a “new era of collaboration and player representation” in the world of soccer. David Terrier, President of FIFPRO Europe, called it a “turning point for players and global soccer leadership.” He thanked UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, who had “played a key role” in “creating the conditions for all parties to find common ground and work toward lasting solutions.”
FIFPRO is an association of more than 70 national players’ unions; according to its own figures, it represents 77,000 players. The German professional players’ union VDV is no longer a member of FIFPRO following a dispute over players’ image and personality rights.