The Moroccan capital, Rabat, witnessed the convening of the first forum for consultation between the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) and professional players, with the participation of representatives of 30 players’ unions from around the world, coinciding with the final of the Women’s Under-17 World Cup, which was won by the North Korean team yesterday, Saturday, by defeating the Netherlands in the final with a score of 3-0.
The governing body of world football confirmed that this forum aims to promote the well-being of players and improve their working conditions at the global level.
The meeting was attended by Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, and Mattias Grafström, Secretary General of FIFA, along with a number of officials and members of the Players’ Voice Committee, led by honorary captain George Weah and a number of legends of the game and world champions in football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino affirmed the international federation's commitment to"enhancing the well-being of players and improving their working environment around the world through practical and effective measures aimed at developing football for the future," adding that "the significant investment in the FIFA Professional Players Fund represents an important step in this direction, along with opening channels of dialogue with unions and various relevant bodies."
During the meeting, the establishment of the FIFA Forum for Consultation with Professional Players was officially announced, to be a permanent platform for defending the collective interests of players at the international level.
The participating parties agreed on a set of key initiatives focused on player welfare and improving their professional conditions, most notably rest and recovery: ensuring at least 72 hours of rest between matches, a rest period of at least 21 days between seasons, with a weekly day off for players, and taking into account long travel conditions and climate changes in the international schedule.
FIFA also announced the allocation of US$20 million for the period between 2026 and 2029 to establish a fund aimed at providing financial support to players who have not been able to receive their dues due to the financial difficulties facing their clubs.
Players' union representatives will be given seats on a number of FIFA committees to ensure that players' voices are heard in consultations and decision-making at the highest levels.
FIFA will also establish a special support mechanism to help national unions develop their activities and programs, particularly those related to the development of young and female players and the promotion of education and training initiatives.
A joint working group will also be formed between FIFA and the unions to discuss legal issues on a regular basis, including transfer regulations, player status, minimum standards for their contracts, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
The forum concluded by emphasizing the continuation of meetings between FIFA and players' unions in the coming months, with the aim of promoting constructive dialogue and establishing a genuine partnership that serves the future of football and the rights of its players around the world.
