UEFA and FIFPRO Europe have signed a historic framework agreement to strengthen player representation within European football governance. Effective from May 2025, FIFPRO Europe will join UEFA’s Executive Committee, ensuring player voices are heard. The agreement emphasizes collaboration around player welfare, particularly in women’s football, and sets the stage for improved conditions and dialogues surrounding player health and rights.
On October 30, 2024, UEFA and FIFPRO Europe signed a groundbreaking framework agreement that enhances collaboration and player representation within the governance of European football. This significant development occurred in conjunction with the Ballon d’Or 2024 award ceremony held in Paris on October 28. FIFPRO Europe, which represents over 35,000 players across 36 UEFA member associations through player unions, is actively engaged in advocating for professional players at the European level. As part of this new partnership, FIFPRO Europe will gain representation in UEFA’s governance structures starting in May 2025, initially in an advisory capacity on the UEFA Executive Committee. This inclusion aims to ensure that the voices of players, alongside those of national associations, leagues, and clubs, are directly recognized and heard at the highest levels of European football. The agreement places a significant emphasis on women’s football, reflecting the commitment of UEFA and FIFPRO Europe to leverage the current momentum in this sector for further development. Priorities include growth and sustainability initiatives in women’s football, adherence to minimum standards, and the establishment of conditions that favor player welfare. Future important decisions regarding working conditions and player workloads in UEFA competitions will only be made following comprehensive dialogue between the two organizations. This collaborative approach is intended to safeguard player welfare while establishing a modern governance model. The partnership will also focus on player health and safety, jointly pursuing medical research projects, awareness campaigns on issues such as doping and discrimination, and further enhancement of the social dialogue at national and European levels. This will include exploring commercial opportunities related to player data and intellectual property rights and providing support for players without contracts. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin stated, “This partnership represents a new era in our relationship with FIFPRO Europe. Players are at the center of everything, and their views must be considered in decision-making. By inviting them to be part of the UEFA Executive Committee, we are creating a more inclusive future for football where player welfare will play a central role. We aim to make tangible progress to ensure football grows for everyone.” David Terrier, President of FIFPRO Europe, remarked, “This agreement is an immensely significant milestone for professional footballers across Europe. By embedding player representation at the highest level of UEFA, we ensure that their voices will be better heard where it matters most. Our ongoing dialogue with UEFA has already yielded positive results, and this framework agreement will facilitate an environment that prioritizes player welfare and secures a healthier and more sustainable future for football, placing the needs and rights of players at the forefront, both on and off the field.” This agreement also reinforces UEFA’s role as a leading body in European football, as FIFPRO Europe endorses the critical components of the footballing pyramid and the UEFA club and national team competitions. Moving forward, UEFA will host the inaugural meeting of the UEFA Advisory Panel for Professional Players next month, providing a platform for players, national unions, and FIFPRO Europe to engage directly with UEFA on crucial issues. This forum complements the annual UEFA Convention on the Future of European Football, with the next event scheduled to take place on December 4 and 5, 2024, in Brussels. The framework agreement is available for review under the provided link (in English).
The recent partnership between UEFA and FIFPRO Europe marks a historic moment in the relationship between football players’ representatives and the governing body of European football. As player welfare becomes increasingly relevant within sports governance, this agreement establishes a new standard for communication and collaboration, giving players a direct voice in decision-making processes. This initiative is particularly significant in light of the ongoing evolution of women’s football and the pressing need to establish equitable working conditions across the board.
The agreement between UEFA and FIFPRO Europe represents a transformative development in European football governance. It not only enhances player representation at the highest levels of decision-making but also sets a precedent for prioritizing player welfare and health. This partnership aims to foster a more inclusive and sustainable future for football, ensuring that athletes’ interests remain a central focus in all discussions and decisions impacting their careers.
Original Source: de.uefa.com
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