Global Football Players’ Union AIF Launched Amid FIFPRO Dispute

The International Association of Footballers (AIF) was unveiled in Madrid amid a dispute with FIFPRO, the international representative body for professional footballers. The initiative was presented by David Aganzo, president of the Spanish footballers’ union Asociación de Futbolistas Españoles (AFE), together with player associations from Spain, Mexico, Brazil and Switzerland. According to reports, the organisation represents more than 30,000 active footballers worldwide, with additional unions expected to join in the future.

Reports stated that the new union represents “a split from several that made up FIFPRO.” During the launch, Aganzo stated that AIF would seek dialogue with football governing institutions, including FIFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and UEFA. He further stated that the organisation would communicate with confederations and leagues and would seek alliances and solutions concerning issues raised by players.

According to reports, the launch of AIF prompted criticism from FIFPRO, which reportedly issued a statement against Aganzo and AFE. In response, Aganzo stated, “We are transparent,” and added that AIF was being created “to really fight for the players.” He raised concerns about guarantee funds, collective agreements, and player representation, stating that “more than 70% of countries do not have a collective agreement” and that footballers “do not have the possibility to speak and make decisions.”

Aganzo also referred to the controversy over La Liga’s proposals to stage matches in the United States and stated that such decisions should involve players. He further referred to communication between player representatives and football governing institutions, stating that footballers “have to be at the centre of everything” and adding that “there is freedom of association.” Responding to suggestions regarding FIFA’s involvement, Aganzo stated: “Footballers are not stupid. It is impossible for FIFA to be behind it.” He additionally stated that AIF had criticised the conditions associated with the FIFA Club World Cup.

The organisation also identified unpaid salaries, guarantee funds and player welfare as important issues. Representatives of the organisation further stated that women’s football would be one of AIF’s focus areas and referred to the need for “basic conditions to guarantee a dignified career.” Martorelli additionally stated that there were countries participating in the World Cup where players “do not have the right.”

In response to the launch, FIFPRO issued a statement criticising the initiative and questioning its representative legitimacy. FIFPRO stated that the new organisation appeared to be “a speculative attempt” lacking “the fundamental legitimacy to represent professional footballers globally.” The organisation further stated that its own mandate was based on 70 national player associations representing more than 60,000 footballers worldwide and referred to governance reforms undertaken within FIFPRO in recent years. FIFPRO additionally stated that David Aganzo had lost his position within FIFPRO through a “democratic process” and alleged that he had subsequently engaged with groups “that fail to meet basic standards of player representation.”