Fifa Faces Criticism Over Player Welfare Consultations
Fifa has been accused of undermining efforts to address player welfare issues by consulting with purportedly 'fake' unions.
The global players' union, Fifpro, has claimed that Fifa is establishing organizations aligned with its interests for consultation purposes, rather than engaging with recognized football representative bodies.
Fifpro has expressed concern over what it describes as a troubling pattern, stating that Fifa employs similar tactics with agents and fans.
Following a meeting on player welfare held in Rabat, Morocco, over the weekend, Fifa announced a series of initiatives.
Fifpro, which represents 66,000 players worldwide, reported that it was not invited to this meeting.
Player welfare has become an increasingly pressing issue, with Fifpro initiating legal action against Fifa last month, citing that the congested football calendar jeopardizes players' health.
Last year, Manchester City midfielder Rodri indicated that players were nearing a strike due to the rising number of games, a situation that worsened for him when he sustained a season-ending knee injury the following week.
Fifa stated that the meeting included representatives from 30 national player unions and members of its Players' Voice Panel, an advisory group comprising former players.
Among the initiatives announced by Fifa were the establishment of a Professional Players Consultation Forum and support for measures aimed at enhancing player rest and recovery, such as ensuring at least 72 hours of rest between matches and a minimum of 21 days between seasons.
Fifa President Gianni Infantino emphasized the organization's commitment to improving player welfare and working conditions globally, stating, 'We remain dedicated to implementing concrete and meaningful measures to enhance football for the future.'
Additionally, Fifa announced plans to create a player welfare fund, despite Fifpro's assertion that such a fund was previously established by Fifa and subsequently abolished in 2022.
This meeting in Rabat followed a similar gathering on player welfare in New York in July, which also did not include Fifpro's participation. That meeting coincided with the Club World Cup final, a tournament that Fifa expanded from seven to 32 teams.