FIFPRO South America makes progress on regional agenda and strengthens institutional structure in Asuncion

• FIFPRO South America’s member unions took part in the General Assembly in Asuncion, Paraguay, alongside a delegation from Brazil’s FENAPAF, which was recently admitted as a Special Observer to FIFPRO
• Representatives from across the region discussed progress and next steps in strategic areas for player welfare, including education, communications, technology and relations with key stakeholders in South American football
• Education continues to be one of the division’s main areas of development, with more than 6,800 footballers currently part of FIFPRO South America’s active educational community

FIFPRO South America’s member unions met on Wednesday 19 August in Asuncion, Paraguay, for the division’s General Assembly, with a focus on strengthening their collective work and advancing initiatives to improve the welfare and representation of footballers across the region.

The assembly was also attended by a delegation from Brazil’s FENAPAF, led by Jorge Borcato. Their presence was particularly significant following the organisation’s recent appointment as a Special Observer to FIFPRO, broadening the dialogue and representation of Brazilian professional footballers within the international community of player unions.

“This assembly once again demonstrates the value of bringing the whole region together around the same table, sharing experiences, challenges and solutions to continue improving the lives of footballers,” said FIFPRO South America General Secretary Gamadiel Garcia.

“We are particularly grateful to Paraguay and FAP for hosting us and making us feel at home. It has also been very important to have FENAPAF and its delegation with us. Their presence strengthens this forum and enables us to continue expanding representation and collaborative work in South America.”

Player education and wellbeing

During the meeting, the trade unions reviewed the progress made in various areas of FIFPRO South America’s work, with the welfare of footballers as a cross-cutting priority.

Education featured prominently. More than 6,800 footballers are currently part of the region’s active educational community, reflecting the growth in educational opportunities available to players – both male and female – during and after their professional careers.

The discussion also covered progress made and future challenges in the field of communication and technology, as well as the potential for continuing to develop tools and services that enable trade unions to meet the needs of their members.

The Assembly also discussed possible mechanisms for regional solidarity to enable FIFPRO South America to provide support to its member unions and footballers in extraordinary situations, including natural disasters and other circumstances that may require humanitarian assistance, such as those that have recently occurred in both Venezuela and Colombia.

A stronger voice for footballers in South America 

Members also reviewed progress in FIFPRO South America’s relations with key football stakeholders in the region and the work being done to strengthen players’ involvement in decisions affecting their working conditions and the development of professional football.

“We are building an increasingly strong, united and representative FIFPRO South America,” said FIFPRO South America President Sergio Marchi.

“But institutional growth is not an end in itself. It must serve to make our unions stronger and ensure that players have an ever-greater say in decisions affecting their profession. That is the purpose of all the work we are doing as a region.”

The agenda also included two presentations on issues of growing importance to professional football. Fernando Martinez, CEO of PlayFe, discussed the development of the betting industry and prediction markets, as well as the opportunities and challenges this evolving landscape presents for footballers.

FIFPRO’s Legal Director Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud presented the reform process and key changes to the new Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP), in the context of changes arising from the Diarra case and the recent Memorandum of Understanding with FIFA.

A new headquarters for FIFPRO South America

Activities in Asuncion will continue on Thursday 20 August with the inauguration of the new offices of Paraguayan player union FAP and FIFPRO South America.

The opening marks another step in strengthening FIFPRO South America’s institutional presence and its capacity to support player unions and footballers across the region.

“This new headquarters is the home of footballers and their unions in South America. It is a space for us to continue to grow, work together and strengthen our representation across the region,” said FAP President Rogelio Delgado.