FIFA Inner Workings and Politics

New York can be the office when it is April-October.
Miami can be the office when it is November-March.

 

This is an example of governance fit for the 21st century. In order to be credibile and improve management and decision-making, all stakeholders - national associations, leagues, clubs and players - must have meaningful representation.

FIFA and the other five continental confederations need to learn from UEFA in this regard.

FIFPRO

BRUSSELS: In a development approved by the UEFA Congress today (12/02/2026), FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier becomes the first player representative to hold voting rights on the UEFA Executive Committee.

A former professional footballer with a 15-year career in France and England, Terrier – who is also the President of French player union UNFP – answers some questions on the significance of the development.

What does this appointment to the UEFA Executive Committee mean for players?
David Terrier: It means that, for the first time, players are formally represented at the highest level of decision-making in European football. It also recognises that players are a core stakeholder in the game and that decisions affecting their work, health, and careers must be taken with their legitimate representatives not only present but actively involved. It reflects a broader shift we’ve seen in recent years, with players gaining a stronger voice in UEFA structures and being increasingly recognised as essential partners in shaping the game.

Some will say one vote does not really change anything. What do you respond?
One vote does not change outcomes overnight, and we are very clear about that. This step ensures that players are no longer outside the room. Their position is now part of a formal process: it is recorded, debated and integrated into governance. That is where real change begins. Also, being part of the formal decision‑making ensures that player‑related risks and concerns are identified earlier and addressed more effectively. We believe in an industry shaped by all relevant stakeholders. Leagues and clubs were already represented in the UEFA Executive Committee; adding the players is the natural next step toward a healthier and more balanced environment. We see it as a continuation of recent progress made with UEFA, rather than a symbolic gesture.
So, it’s not just tokenism?
No, tokenism is inclusion, without rights. This is a fixed seat with voting rights in the executive body of UEFA. It embeds players structurally in governance. Consultation becomes a responsibility, not a courtesy. That distinction matters.

Why is FIFPRO Europe the body representing players at this level?
This is straightforward: because FIFPRO Europe is the democratically mandated representative of professional footballers, men and women, across Europe. We represent national player unions, negotiated collective agreements, and the lived reality of players at every level of the game. Legitimacy is essential in governance. It can’t be replaced by artificial or non-representative structures. We don’t lose autonomy by taking this position, we reinforce our mandate as the official voice of the players.

How does this contrast with what is happening at global level?
In Europe, we believe the most effective governance is inclusive governance. Decisions are stronger, more sustainable and credible when social partners are involved. Elsewhere, we continue to see unilateral decision-making and attempts to sideline legitimate player representation, such as engaging with bodies that don’t genuinely represent players. That approach is increasingly challenged, not only politically but legally as well. In Europe, football stakeholders are demonstrating that collaborative governance is feasible and delivers tangible results.
What practical impact can players expect from this presence at UEFA?
Impact will come over time, but it starts with early involvement, access to information and the ability to raise concerns and contribute with meaningful debate before decisions are taken. It also enables us to work together with leagues, clubs and national associations, while ensuring that players’ welfare, workload and employment rights are part of strategic discussions at the start – not when problems occur. This is already the case in several UEFA committees where we have representation, reinforcing this as another positive step.

What does this say about the governance of European football?
It confirms Europe’s commitment to social dialogue and workers’ rights. By including FIFPRO Europe in the governance structure, European football is strengthening trust, stability and shared responsibility across the ecosystem.

FIFPRO Europe looks forward to further progress so that eventually collective agreements – which are recognised and endorsed by Europe’s highest court – become enshrined in football governance. They are the safest and most sustainable way to regulate football, ensuring decisions affecting players’ working conditions are jointly negotiated rather than imposed unilaterally.

 

It is tokenism when FIFPRO's newly-approved voting right has a 3-year probation period. FIFPRO better not challenge UEFA's plans until 2029, if it wants to stay at the big boys' table.

And remember, this is FIFPRO's second probation period within UEFA's ExCo. During its first one, FIFPRO held a non-voting seat in that committee. FIFPRO sure kept quiet while UEFA multiplied tournaments within its calendar.

Regarding FIFPRO's standing among its members, the Spanish Footballers Union (AFE) held a General Assembly vote 24 hours prior to UEFA's announcement on FIFPRO's new probationary voting right:

99.8% of AFE members voted to disaffiliate from FIFPRO. AFE Executive Committee argued in favor of disaffiliation due to "the absolute lack of transparency by FIFPRO, in addition to its null interlocution with international-scope institutions, which harms AFE players". Emphasis quoted directly from AFE's Feb 11 announcement.​

Both UEFA and FIFPRO did not actively support AFE's case against LaLiga's plan of moving Spanish league matches to Miami. UEFA said it was outside its jurisdiction, and still held a symbolic vote in favor of LaLiga's "Plan Miami". FIFPRO had no public announcements in favor of former FIFPRO member AFE, just stated that consultations and assessments were ongoing.

AFE succeeded in stopping LaLiga's Miami cash-grab after AFE members paused two league matches in October 2025. LaLiga is now suing those players, arguing that they held illegal work strikes. AFE and LaLiga will have their day in court during March 2026.

Legend says FIFPRO is still consulting and assessing matters affecting professional football players within UEFA.