Czech player union CAFH signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Football Association of the Czech Republic (FACR) on Tuesday 27 May in Prague, Czechia.
The signing illustrates a commitment to future cooperation, support, negotiations and development in key areas that both FACR and CAFH are focusing on. This includes ensuring stable conditions in the Czech football environment, protecting the interests of entities operating within it, and the prevention of match-fixing, corruption, racism, and doping.
As part of national social dialogue, both organisations will also discuss legislative changes in FACR regulations or issues relating to player education and player welfare.
Through the MoU, the FACR, in accordance with its own statutes, recognises CAFH as the only national organisation defending the rights and interests of footballers. It also commits itself, in cooperation with the player association, to make every effort to further improve the conditions for footballers in Czechia, whether in terms of their position when concluding contracts, protection in the event of club insolvency or integration after the end of their active playing careers.
The MoU will run for an indefinite period and both parties will make efforts to ensure the League Football Association (LFA) also accedes to it in future.
"The conclusion of the memorandum with FACR is a key milestone for us and official confirmation of the mutual respect between the two organisations. I am convinced that fulfilling our commitment to cooperation can move Czech football in the right direction," said CAFH Chair Marketa Vochoska Haindlova on the signing.
FACR Chair Petr Fousek said: "Cooperation between the football association and the players' association is standard practice in developed football countries, including ours. Social dialogue between associations, players and clubs is based on the international model and cooperation between FIFA, UEFA, FIFPRO, European Leagues and the European Club Association. I expect LFA to join in the future, and this memorandum is certainly an important step."
