UEFA & FIFPRO Mou Signature (1)

FIFPRO Europe, UEFA sign memorandum of understanding, giving players more say in European football governance

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UEFA & FIFPRO Mou Signature (1)
  • Cooperation plan will give players and their unions greater influence in decisions affecting employment conditions
  • FIFPRO Europe will join the UEFA executive committee for the first time as part of a more inclusive governance structure
  • The plan reflects the progressive working relationship developed over the past year between the organisations

FIFPRO Europe and UEFA have signed a memorandum of understanding that includes important measures to increase the voice of players in European football governance.

Under the accord, signed by the leaders of both organisations in Paris, a FIFPRO Europe representative will join the UEFA executive committee from May 2025. Meanwhile, UEFA has committed to involving FIFPRO Europe in any decision that could affect players’ employment conditions, or any potential competition reform that could impact players’ workload.

In another step, active players and player representatives will participate in a new UEFA Professional Players’ Advisory Forum, which will start meeting from next month, with the aim of exploring measures to address collective issues affecting professional footballers in Europe.

The Memorandum of Understanding, which lasts three years, will give footballers, and the unions that represent them, greater influence on decisions that affect their working lives, such as changes to the match calendar and playing conditions, and aspects related to health and safety.

“This agreement is a hugely positive milestone for professional players across Europe.”

— by David Terrier

Additionally, the agreement opens a pathway for FIFPRO Europe and UEFA to collaborate on projects to further develop women’s football, such as minimum standards and fair employment conditions.

Both organisations will also work together in areas such as medical research, player education, and awareness-raising campaigns tackling doping and discrimination.

Other areas of cooperation include enhancing stakeholder dialogue at national and European levels, exploring joint commercial opportunities related to player data and intellectual property rights, as well as providing support for out-of-contract players.

David Terrier, FIFPRO Europe President, said: "This agreement is a hugely positive milestone for professional players across Europe. With player representation now anchored at UEFA’s highest level, we are securing a stronger voice for players where it matters most.

"Our ongoing dialogue with UEFA is already yielding positive results, and this MoU will only strengthen our ability to shape a framework that will advance player welfare and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for football, where the needs and rights of players shall always be at the forefront, both on and off the pitch."

Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA President, said: "This partnership represents a new era in our relationship with FIFPRO Europe. Players are at the heart of football, and their perspectives must shape the decisions taken.

"By inviting them to join the UEFA Executive Committee, we are creating a more inclusive future for the game, one in which the topic of player welfare will be at the forefront. This is about making tangible strides to ensure football continues to grow for everyone."

The Memorandum of Understanding can be accessed HERE.