Why FIFPRO Africa and African Leagues memorandum of understanding is a key step forward for African football

In a landmark development for African football, FIFPRO Africa and African Leagues have signed a historic memorandum of understanding, establishing a formal framework for ongoing social dialogue between players and employers across the continent.

The agreement marks a significant step towards stronger labour relations, improved governance and enhanced protections for players, reinforcing a more structured and sustainable future for the professional game in Africa.

FIFPRO Africa Secretary General Kgosana Masaseng (FIFPRO Africa Secretary General) and Khaled Refaat (Egyptian Pro League Executive Board Member) reflect on the significance of this milestone and what it means for the game across the region.

FIFPRO: FIFPRO Africa and African Leagues have signed a landmark MoU. Why is this agreement so significant for the region?

Kgosana Masaseng: Because it changes how the game is shaped. For the first time, players and leagues in Africa are entering into a structured, ongoing dialogue at continental level. That is a fundamental shift. Until now, engagement has largely been indirect. This creates a direct channel between those who play the game and those who organise it.

Khaled Refaat: It represents a significant milestone towards a more developed and sustainable football ecosystem in Africa. Bringing together African Leagues and FIFPRO Africa around one table, working under a shared vision for the advancement of football on the continent, sends a strong and positive message. It shows African football can build successful models of cooperation that benefit the entire system.

More broadly, how does this reflect the growing importance of social dialogue in football?

Kgosana Masaseng: It reflects where the game needs to go. Football today is a global industry and the decisions being made have real consequences for players and competitions. In that context, structured dialogue is not a preference, but a necessity. We are already seeing this model take shape in some parts of the game and it is proving to be more stable and more credible. 

Khaled Refaat: Establishing a structured social dialogue between leagues and players creates a more stable and predictable environment for competitions, while ensuring the interests of all stakeholders are considered. With the support of World Leagues Association, FIFPRO and the International Labour Organization, this approach brings credibility and direction to how the game develops.

How does this partnership change the structure of engagement in African football?

Kgosana Masaseng: It brings a balance into the system. Until now, most of the interaction at continental level has been concentrated in one space. This agreement introduces a second, equally important layer by connecting players directly with leagues. This changes the quality of the conversation and ensures decisions are not only strategic but also grounded in the day-to-day reality of professional football across the region.

Khaled Refaat: By creating a direct and structured relationship between leagues and players, it improves the quality of engagement and supports better decision-making. It also opens the door to cooperation on key areas such as contractual matters and dispute resolution, which are essential for a well-functioning professional environment.

African Leagues is a newly established organisation. How important is it that this relationship is being built from the outset?

Kgosana Masaseng: It is critical. When dialogue is built into a structure from the beginning, it becomes part of how the system operates, not something you try to fix later. This agreement sets that foundation. It sends a clear signal that collaboration and mutual respect are not optional – they are essential to building a credible and sustainable professional game.

Khaled Refaat: Starting with a framework of cooperation allows both sides to build a shared understanding of priorities. It creates the conditions for long-term stability and ensures the development of competitions and the broader ecosystem is supported by strong and consistent dialogue.

FIFPRO consistently advocates for social dialogue and genuine recognition. How does this agreement translate that into practice?

Kgosana Masaseng: This is not a symbolic agreement. In fact, it allows us to move from principles to action. It creates a framework to work on key areas such as contractual standards, dispute resolution and collective bargaining. That is what genuine dialogue looks like. It is organised, it is consistent and it delivers outcomes.

What tangible changes should players in Africa expect to see because of this partnership?

Kgosana Masaseng: Players should expect a more structured and more reliable professional environment. That means clearer contractual conditions, better mechanisms to resolve disputes, and a stronger voice in decisions that affect their careers.

Ultimately, when players are properly represented and protected, the entire system becomes stronger. That is the real value of this agreement, as it also strengthens communication across the wider football ecosystem and its stakeholders.