Key facts
- FIFA and the FIFPRO players' union have agreed to a cooperation agreement on major decisions.
- The deal covers transfer rules, health and safety standards, and player welfare.
- FIFPRO is recognized by FIFA as the global representative for professional soccer players.
- A Global Social Dialogue Platform will be established to discuss rules and standards.
- The agreement is set to run through 2031.
FIFA and the FIFPRO players' union have reached a landmark cooperation agreement that will shape major decisions regarding transfer rules and player welfare. The memorandum of understanding, announced on the eve of the World Cup opener, establishes a new era of collaboration between the global football governing body and the players' union.
The agreement comes amid evolving legal landscapes for international governing bodies and the recent formation of a rival player group, the Association of International Footballers. As part of the deal, FIFPRO has been officially recognized by FIFA as the global representative for professional soccer players, leading to the dropping of lawsuits previously filed against FIFA by FIFPRO and its member unions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the MoU as marking "a new era" and emphasized the importance of ensuring player protection and well-being through a collective process. The agreement, which extends through 2031, mandates that future decisions directly affecting players will be made through joint consultation.
A key outcome of the agreement is the establishment of a Global Social Dialogue Platform, which will be chaired by FIFA. This platform will serve as a forum for discussing regulations concerning the transfer system, player welfare, and occupational safety and health standards, including crucial aspects like player rest, recovery, vacation, and mandatory rest periods. Changes to these regulations will require collective agreement.
In addition to the platform, FIFPRO will gain representation within FIFA's structures, appointing members to the Football Tribunal, judicial bodies, and various committees. The union will also hold a non-voting observer position on the FIFA Council. Furthermore, FIFA and FIFPRO will collaborate on establishing minimum standards for women's national teams and work towards allocating prize money from FIFA's senior competitions.