People of the Union: Marketa Haindlova (Czechia)

People of the Union puts the spotlight on individuals across FIFPRO’s member associations who are dedicated to improving the wellbeing of professional footballers.

Marketa Haindlova is the Chairperson of the Czech Association of Football Players (CAFH) and a FIFPRO Europe board member. 

FIFPRO: Tell us about yourself: what’s your current role and what’s your background? 

Marketa Haindlova: I would describe myself as a professional lawyer with enormous passion for football and justice. I'm the Chairperson of CAFH and there is no such thing as a typical day. I enjoy when I have time to get my kids ready for school, go for a walk with my dog in the morning and then start the day in the office. 

What issue affecting player welfare are you most passionate about?  

We help players with all contract-related matters – whether with clubs, agencies, or commercial deals – and I believe it's crucial that a player reaches out before signing any document. Too often, when a player contacts us only after the contract is signed and a problem has already emerged, we are left to deal with consequences that could have been avoided had they involved us in time. That’s why, for me personally, the most important priority is prevention: real support means beginning to work with a player as early as possible, not waiting until a problem is on the table.

Can you share one of your proudest moments or achievements working as a union representative? 

I’m proud of every moment when we’ve been able to help players who found themselves in difficult situations – whether it was a dispute with a club, an agent, or someone else. In those moments, I see the real value of our work, because the players know they’re not alone.

I’m also incredibly proud of our Shoes4Life and Čistá hlava (Clear Mind) projects. Through them, we spread the message that mental health is just as important as physical health for athletes. And we also show that football can bring joy to everyone – even to kids or young players who might not be able to afford basic equipment. With our foundation, we try to support them and prove that love for football knows no boundaries.

We also recently reached an agreement with the Football Association of the Czech Republic and signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The signing was preceded by lengthy negotiations, but ultimately resulted in a document that strengthens the position of CAFH and, above all, commits the parties to more regular dialogue in areas of mutual interest.

Is there anyone in the union world or in sports in general who inspires you?

It may be surprising for some that I will not mention an athlete, given I have worked in the sports industry my whole life, but my idols are my grandma, my mother and my daughter. My grandma and mother taught me humility, but at the same time they are always supporting me on the path to my goals and dreams. And my daughter shows me on a daily basis that there is no such thing as an unsolvable problem; adults simply lack creativity and patience sometimes.

How do you stay motivated as a woman working in the football industry?

I stay motivated precisely because there still aren’t many women in football – and I want that to change. I truly believe that women have a place in this environment, and I want to be living proof that it’s possible. When you do what you love, motivation comes naturally. And when you can also inspire other women not to be afraid to step into this world, it gives everything even more meaning. I want to show that football isn’t just a men’s game – it’s a space for anyone who wants to contribute, regardless of gender.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned from working closely with players?

One key lesson I’ve learned is the immense value of listening to their individual experiences and needs, especially off the pitch. Through daily conversations, I’ve come to an understanding that each player's situation is unique: some face legal and contractual challenges, and many contend with personal or mental health issues that often remain hidden. Only when we truly take the time to hear them out can we tailor our help effectively, whether that means negotiating better contractual terms or ensuring comprehensive support.

What’s an emerging issue for players that you think needs more attention?

Czechia is in the minority of European Union states that does not recognise a professional athlete as an employee, which can cause some serious problems for an athlete, especially in the future regarding pensions. Although we as CAFH work closely with the national football association and other key stakeholders on constant improvement of conditions for professional footballers, this is something I think deserves more attention.

What is your favourite football memory?

I would not pick one concrete memory; it simply makes me so proud and satisfied when players that we have helped in the past come back and are proud of being members of our player association, and also when they recommend our services to their team-mates. Professionalism and trust are key values on which our association is built on.

FIFPRO is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.  What does being part of a global union mean to you?

First of all, I would like to wish a happy anniversary to FIFPRO and all its members. FIFPRO has proven its purpose, for example when playing a key role in defending player rights on the legal stage, such as the Jean-Marc Bosman and Lassana Diarra cases. Those were very important cases not just for us as CAFH, but also for all player associations operating within the European Union region – it sends a strong message to the players for the future, that if you are wrongfully deprived of your rights, there is a strong and competent international association that will successfully protect your interests.

CAFH is proud to be part of such a prestigious and strong international association. It gives us confidence and stronger legitimacy while fighting for the best possible conditions and rights for professional footballers in Czechia.