FIFA & FIFPRO Sign Landmark Player Representation Agreement
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, FIFA and FIFPRO have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), opening a new chapter in cooperation between the two organisations and football governance in general.
The agreement, which comes into effect immediately and runs until 31 December 2031, establishes a modern governance framework based on social dialogue, strengthens FIFPRO’s representation within FIFA’s institutional structures, and paves the way for close collaboration on a series of matters of mutual interest.
As a result of the MoU, FIFPRO and its continental divisions have withdrawn all existing legal proceedings against FIFA, as well as any support for such proceedings.
They will also refrain from initiating or supporting any future legal proceedings outside football’s regulatory framework.
FIFPRO will further ensure that its member unions withdraw their support for and cease to be party to any legal proceedings against FIFA.
At the heart of the MoU is the establishment of a Global Social Dialogue Platform for professional football, chaired and administered by FIFA, which will bring together employers (clubs and leagues) and employees (players), with the participation of the confederations.
The platform will be governed by jointly agreed rules of procedure and will include dedicated workstreams on: (i) the transfer system and regulatory matters; (ii) domestic transfer systems and support for social dialogue; and (iii) player welfare and occupational safety and health standards.
Most notably, any future changes to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) will be subject to collective agreement among the social partners.
The same approach will apply to player welfare and occupational safety and health standards, including matters relating to player rest and recovery, such as holidays, mandatory rest periods and retraining periods.
In coordination with all stakeholders, collectively agreed standards will be implemented across professional football competitions worldwide.
Representation of players in the decision-making structures of FIFA will also break new ground.
FIFPRO-appointed representatives will serve on the Football Tribunal, FIFA’s judicial bodies, several standing committees and the Human Rights and Sustainability Sub-Committee, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring that players’ voices are further heard and appropriately represented in FIFA’s decision-making processes.
Additionally, for the first time, on player-related matters, FIFPRO will be represented on the FIFA Council as an observer with speaking rights.
Furthermore, decisions affecting players’ workload and playing conditions in FIFA competitions will be based on a structured collaborative process between FIFA and FIFPRO, and both parties have committed to working together to promote a healthy balance between competitions at global, continental and domestic levels.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, said: “This MoU marks a new era in FIFA’s relationship with FIFPRO. Players shape the game we all love, and we must ensure their protection and well-being.
“That is why we have jointly created a sustainable pathway to ensure that decisions directly affecting them are based on a collective process anchored in social dialogue. This is what modern governance is about, and we are proud to be leading by example.”
FIFPRO President Sergio Marchi, added: “This agreement represents an important step forward for football. Ensuring that players and their representatives have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their careers is not only beneficial for footballers, but for the game as a whole.
“As a global organisation, we remain mindful that many players around the world continue to face very different realities and need stronger protections and support. We look forward to continuing this work together for the benefit of players and football.”
