FIFPro held a meeting in Amsterdam, Netherlands on the 25th of this month, with 58 player associations from around the world participating in the discussion, expressing deep concerns about FIFA's current way of managing global football. At the same time, FIFPRO reiterated its firm determination to protect the rights and interests of male and female players, believing that these rights are seriously damaged by the commercial policies imposed by the FIFA management system.
Overloaded schedule, lack of adequate physical and mental recovery period, extreme game conditions, lack of meaningful dialogue and the ongoing neglect of players' social rights, unfortunately this has become the backbone of the FIFA business model. This not only endangers the health of the players, but also marginalizes the core players of football.
As the International Football Staff Union, FIFPRO firmly believes that it is impossible to usher in a "new era" in football without first solving the deep-rooted structural inequality and systematic abuse in the football world. Any football event built on fatigue, exclusion and exploitation is unacceptable.
FIFA continues to systematically ignore and suppress the real problems faced by players around the world, and it is unacceptable for an organization that claims to be a global leader to ignore the basic needs of players. The recent Club World Cup is an obvious example, and despite the competition being played under extreme conditions, President Infantino celebrates it, showing a serious disregard for human rights issues, even if it involves elite athletes.
Recently, FIFA announced that ticket sales for the next World Cup are expected to reach 6 million, once again focusing on business indicators and ignoring the structural dilemma that is common in the global football world. Does FIFA understand the income levels of African players? Do they realize that in many parts of the world, players often fail to get paid for weeks or even longer?
FIFPRO is not opposed to the development of the football economy and business, but we firmly believe that this growth must be based on fairness, respect and responsibility to those who support football with their talent and efforts, that is, to the players.
FIFPRO and its 72 affiliated unions need to reaffirm the unwavering defense of the labor, social and human rights of football players around the world. We will continue to speak out against abuse and demand fair, dignified and sustainable working conditions for all players. Football needs responsible leadership, not dictators, and requires less autocracy and more sincere, inclusive and transparent dialogue.