Zurich – DPA:
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) signed a historic memorandum of understanding (the Memorandum), opening a new chapter of cooperation between the two organizations, and in football governance in general.
FIFA said in an official statement: This agreement, which enters into force immediately and extends until December 31, 2031, “establishes a modern governance framework based on social dialogue. It also strengthens the presence and representation of the International Association of Professional Footballers within the institutional structures of FIFA, and paves the way for close cooperation on a series of issues of common interest.”
The statement added: “In light of the memorandum and the commitments contained therein, FIFPro and its continental branches have taken the decision to withdraw all existing lawsuits and legal procedures against FIFA, as well as cancel any support for those lawsuits, and refrain from establishing or supporting any legal procedures in the future outside the regulatory framework of football.
FIFPro will also ensure that its member unions withdraw their support and support for any legal proceedings against FIFA, and cease being a party to them.
In essence, the memorandum of understanding stipulates the establishment of a global platform for social dialogue specifically in professional football, subject to the supervision and management of FIFA and bringing together under its umbrella employers (clubs and associations) and employees (players), with the participation of the continental federations.
It is noteworthy that FIFPro is recognized as the global social partner representing players as employees, along with the International Association of Professional Football Leagues and the European Club Association as social partners, respectively representing leagues and clubs as employers.
The platform will also be subject to jointly agreed upon procedural regulations, and includes specialized work processes focusing on three axes, the first of which is the transfer system and regulatory issues, the second of which is the local transfer system and support for social dialogue, and the third of which is player care and health and occupational safety and health standards.
The FIFA statement indicated that “one of the most prominent provisions of the agreement is that any future amendments that may occur to the regulations regarding the status and transfer of players will be conditional on collective approval between the social partners.” The same approach will be applied to player welfare and health and occupational safety and health standards, including issues related to players’ rest and recovery periods, such as vacations, mandatory rest periods, and rehabilitation periods.”
He also revealed that for the first time, the International Association of Professional Footballers will be represented on the FIFA Council as an observer with the right to speak and express an opinion on matters relating to players. The memorandum also identified other key areas of cooperation, such as securing $20 million for the period between 2026 and 2029 for the FIFA Fund for Professional Male and Female Players, which provides financial support to male and female players who have been unable to collect their late salaries and dues from their clubs.
