June 17 – While FIFA have been dismissive of Fifpro’s complaints over player workload and lack of consultation over the international calendar, UEFA has taken a different, more collaborative approach with the players’ union.
A UEFA delegation led by president Aleksander Čeferin met with David Terrier, president of Fifpro Europe, and members of the Fifpro Europe board yesterday in Stuttgart.
Player workload was high on the agenda with both organisations reiterating their joint commitment to work closely on employment matters affecting players within the solidarity-based European football pyramid.
One outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a new player-specific forum to major topics with UEFA on a bilateral basis, complimenting the annual UEFA Convention on the Future of European Football.
“Since David Terrier’s election as President of Fifpro Europe, we have covered significant ground in our collaborative efforts,” said Ceferin (pictured second right).
“We may not agree on every issue and work remains to be done, but our progress across a wide range of areas is evident. In recent months, we have successfully implemented measures to tackle issues affecting players in both men’s and women’s football while also improving governance structures. This ongoing dialogue is essential as we strive to address the evolving challenges in football”.
Terrier (pictured third right) said the relationship with UEFA was strengthening and that Ceferin understood their concerns.
“Our primary objective is to create a healthy and sustainable environment for all players in Europe, and we very much see UEFA as a key partner to build long-lasting solutions. We look forward to achieving more, tangible outcomes for the players we represent and, generally, for the betterment of professional football across the continent,” said Terrier.
Last week Fifpro filed a lawsuit against FIFA in the Belgian courts regarding player workload and the increased burden of the Club World Cup.
After initially raising concerns over the Club World Cup 2025 and, alongside the World Leagues Association, calling for its suspension, Fifpro followed up on its threat of legal action if FIFA refused to listen and review its tournament decision.
“These decisions violate the rights of players and their unions under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights while also potentially violating EU competition law. The claim asks the court to refer four questions to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for a preliminary ruling,” said Fifpro.
Last month, FIFA said it would not consider the demand to reschedule the expanded 32-team Club World Cup scheduled for the US next summer.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino doubled down on their position saying: “We should probably stop this futile debate, which is really pointless and focus on what we have to do, what our mission is, which is to organise.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1718691047labto1718691047ofdlr1718691047owedi1718691047sni@g1718691047niwe.1718691047yrrah1718691047
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