UEFA & FIFPRO Europe Sign Player Representation MoU
UEFA and FIFPRO Europe have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step in boosting player representation and cooperation in the governance of European football.
Representing over 35,000 footballers through player unions across 36 UEFA Member Associations, FIFPRO Europe is the association which acts on behalf of professional football players at European level.
With this new partnership, FIFPRO Europe will for the first time take a seat within UEFA’s governance structures and, from May 2025, will be represented on the UEFA Executive Committee, initially in an advisory capacity.
This will help ensure that players’ voices are directly heard at European football’s highest decision-making table, alongside those of national associations, leagues and clubs.
The MoU places a major focus on women’s football, as UEFA and FIFPRO Europe are looking to build on the growing momentum behind the women’s game. From bolstering development programmes to ensuring minimum standards, the growth and sustainability of women’s football have been positioned as top priorities.
Key decisions impacting player employment conditions or players’ workload in UEFA competitions will now be made only after extensive dialogue between the two organisations.
As a matter of priority, player health and safety will take centre stage. UEFA and FIFPRO Europe will work together on medical research, player education and awareness-raising campaigns tackling scourges such as doping and discrimination.
Further areas of cooperation include enhancing social dialogue at both national and European levels, exploring joint commercial opportunities related to player data and intellectual property rights, as well as providing support for out-of-contract players.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, commented: “This partnership represents a new era in our relationship with FIFPRO Europe. Players are at the heart of football, and their perspectives must shape the decisions taken.
“By inviting them to join the UEFA Executive Committee, we are creating a more inclusive future for the game, one in which the topic of player welfare will be at the forefront. This is about making tangible strides to ensure football continues to grow for everyone.”
FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier, stated: “This agreement is a hugely positive milestone for professional players across Europe. With player representation now anchored at UEFA’s highest level, we are securing a stronger voice for players where it matters most.
“Our ongoing dialogue with UEFA is already yielding positive results, and this MoU will only strengthen our ability to shape a framework that will advance player welfare and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for football, where the needs and rights of players shall always be at the forefront, both on and off the pitch.”
A copy of the MoU can be accessed following this link.