Representing Players Worldwide

FIFPRO unites the voice of professional footballers and their national player associations to ensure they are internationally represented in the decisions affecting their industry.

Our work is driven by the workforce priorities of players and, along with our member unions and partners, we strive to improve the working environment of footballers.

FIFPRO's Statutes

FIFPRO's Leadership and Divisions

FIFPRO's Board carries the responsibility of defending the working rights of more than 70,000 men’s and women’s footballers.

Global Board

FIFPRO Africa consists of 11 member unions; it engages the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and regional stakeholders to ensure footballers in Africa have a collective voice and are represented in decision-making.

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FIFPRO South America and FIFPRO Central and North America engage their respective confederations of CONMEBOL and Concacaf, as well as other regional stakeholders, to best serve the interests of footballers in the Americas.

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FIFPRO Asia/Oceania is the collective international voice of professional footballers of Asia and Oceania, representing over 6,000 players.

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FIFPRO Europe engages UEFA and European football stakeholders such as leagues, clubs and fans on workplace issues in order to safeguard the working rights and interests of football players across Europe.

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70
Player Associations
70,000+
Footballers Represented
4
Regional Divisions

With more players than ever working abroad in a globalised employment market, FIFPRO’s worldwide network of player associations is ever more relevant to address the opportunities and challenges in a global industry.

Our Unions

Our History

FIFPRO Founded

1965

In December 1965, representatives of the French, Scottish, English, Italian and Dutch player unions meet in Paris, France to set up an international association for footballers.

First Congress

1966

Manchester United and England midfielder Bobby Charlton is appointed FIFPRO President. The first FIFPRO Congress takes place in London, England in June before the start of the 1966 World Cup.

Official Recognition

1968

FIFPRO is formally recognised in accordance with French legislation as an international association protecting the rights of professional footballers globally.

Star Players Engage

1972

FIFPRO announces intention to host a congress every year. Johan Cruyff attends the 1972 edition in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Television Rights

1985

During the 1985 FIFPRO Congress, a resolution is taken that footballers should have the right to a reasonable percentage of television rights profits.

Organisational Reforms

1994

The 1994 FIFPRO Congress decides for a reform of the organisation: a new board is formed, a financial structure set up and a permanent secretariat is established.

Jean-Marc Bosman Case

1995

Backed by FIFPRO, Jean-Marc Bosman changes professional football. The Bosman Ruling is passed, meaning out-of-contract players are free to sign with any club.

FIFA Recognition

1999

After the Bosman Ruling, FIFPRO is finally acknowledged by FIFA as the official representative of all professional footballers worldwide.

New Transfer Regulations

2001

FIFPRO helps shape the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players with FIFA and UEFA.

World 11

2005

The FIFPRO World 11 is established, enabling professional footballers across the globe to vote for their team of the year.

FIFPRO House

2013

FIFPRO's current head office in Hoofddorp, Netherlands opens its doors.

Women’s Football Committee

2014

FIFPRO provides women’s players with a platform to address their growing needs on a global level. Internationals such as Marta, Abby Wambach and Nadine Angerer support the initiative.

Women’s World 11

2016

For the first time, women’s footballers from around the globe vote for their Women’s World 11 to celebrate the leading players in the game.

Global Player Council Established

2020

The council gives players a direct role in shaping FIFPRO's policies and initiatives.

Maternity Rights

2022

Icelandic midfielder Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir becomes the first player to win a claim against a club through football's maternity regulations, which were created by FIFPRO..

Diarra Ruling

2024

The European Court of Justice in October 2024 rules in favour of Lassana Diarra after it found central parts of FIFA's transfer rules break European Union law.