Arsène Wenger To Lead Player Welfare Task Force

FIFA has confirmed former Arsenal Manager, Arsène Wenger will lead a Task Force on Player Welfare.

The move comes following a decision of the FIFA Council to formalise a Task Force on Player Welfare aimed at promoting further global dialogue on welfare matters with key stakeholders from across football.

The task force will be led by FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, and will include representatives from member associations, confederations, FIFPRO, the European Club Association and the World Leagues Association.

The objective of the task force is to examine how suitable and effective safeguards for players can be implemented, also taking into account practical considerations from operational, medical, regulatory and legal perspectives.

The task force is due to make recommendations informed by the latest scientific research into the topic of players’ physical and mental well-being.

The establishment of this dedicated task force follows on from previous dialogue with professional players’ representatives from a variety of member associations and leagues, including the English Premier League and Women’s Super League, and initiatives implemented by FIFA to enhance player welfare.

Among others, these include the approval of a landmark regulatory framework to protect female footballers and coaches, plus FIFA’s role in giving top domestic and international competitions the option to make five substitutions available to teams, as well as similar efforts with regard to the introduction of an additional permanent concussion replacement at all levels. 

The task force will convene in the coming weeks.