FIFPro renews call for a seat at FIFA’s negotiating table, saying it has nothing to hide

November 21 – World players’ union FIFPro has reaffirmed its “readiness to negotiate with all stakeholders” to advance player welfare.

At the union’s general assembly that celebrated the organisation’s 60th anniversary, FIFPro reiterated that it wants to sit around the table with other stakeholders to negotiate matters that affect its membership. In a statement, it wrote that “reforms and decisions that affect footballers must involve those with the legitimate mandate to represent them.”

Recently, the world governing body FIFA sidelined the union from player welfare talks in both Rabat and New York City, signalling tensions between the two organisations.

“I cannot imagine football without a union because it would be a dehumanised sport. The union cares for human beings, protects athletes and helps the industry to expand,” said FIFPro president Sergio Marchi.

“That’s why we must ensure all sectors of football – and the footballers at the centre – try to reach an agreement, try to listen to each other, and draw the best conclusions so that football continues to move forward.”

FIFPro said the assembly welcomed representatives from the Portuguese government, league, federation, FIFA, UEFA, IFAB, WLA and the EFC. “Why is transparency important for FIFPro? We have nothing to hide; we’re an open house,” said FIFPro secretary general Alex Phillips.

“We’ve introduced a much greater degree of transparency with stakeholders coming from all different types of organisations: FIFA, confederations, leagues, clubs, fans, other sports, and government.

“We hope to improve by having them here, by listening to their observations and different views, how they can see things slightly differently, which can help us to understand them better.”

In a July media release, FIFA accused FIFPro of a lack of transparency and demanded that the union publish its annual accounts. FIFPro’s audited accounts are published on the Dutch Chamber of Commerce website.

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