According to FIFPro, “FIFA-friendly organizations are being set up for consultation processes instead of working with recognized football representatives.” FIFA is also said to be using “similar strategies” with agents and fans.
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The direct reason for this is some statements that FIFA released after a meeting in Rabat (Morocco), to which FIFPro – which represents more than 64,000 professional players – said it had not been invited. This was also the case earlier this year at a similar event in New York.
FIFA responds to ‘attacks’
FIFA emphasizes its willingness to work with all unions and conduct a “respectful dialogue”, but claims that “attacks” from FIFPro have made it difficult to involve the union. The meeting was said to have attended the meeting by 30 national players’ unions and members of the Players’ Voice Panel, an advisory group of former players set up by FIFA.
In addition, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced afterwards that there must be a minimum of 72 hours between matches and a minimum of 21 days between seasons. “FIFA wants to work with everyone who is genuinely interested in progress and respectful dialogue – our door is always open to all positions that respect these values. This is a real movement for the players and we are happy about that,” said the Swiss.
FIFA and players’ unions: professional football players must have at least 72 hours of rest between matches
FIFA previously said that FIFPro “consistently refuses to engage constructively” and “opts for theatrical condemnations” instead of “progress for the players they claim to represent”.
English players’ union is also critical
Yet FIFPro is not the only one with criticism. Maheta Molango, from the English players’ union PFA, is also not happy with the way things are being handled at FIFA. “It is sad news when FIFA, instead of talking to the people chosen to represent the voice of the players, decides to choose who they want to sit at the table with,” he told the BBC. “It is very worrying. They are not entering into discussions with us. It seems that they have found new interlocutors who are not recognized trade unions.”