FIFPRO and FIFA Clash Over Player Welfare and Governance

On 25 July 2025, the world association of players’ union - FIFPRO - and the world football governing body - FIFA - reignited a longstanding debate over the concentration of power in football governance and the extent to which players are genuinely represented in matters affecting their health, labor rights and professional autonomy. This longstanding debate has been raging in the legal football ecosystem for the past few years.

FIFPRO Complaints

In a public statement issued following a convening of over 70 national player unions,^[1] FIFPRO accused FIFA of employing an autocratic governance model that undermines democratic engagement and excludes representative player voices from significant decision-making processes. More precisely, FIFPRO and its member unions are concerned about the expansion of the international match calendar, such as the recent FIFA Club World Cup, as it was conducted without what FIFPRO considers to be...

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