Tensions between FIFA and world players’ union, FIFPro, have deepened after the global football governing body excluded the union from key discussions on player welfare in Morocco.
FIFA held the Professional Players Consultation Forum in Rabat on the sidelines of the just concluded U-17 Women’s World Cup, claiming the event featured representatives from 30 players’ unions.
The meeting reportedly addressed issues such as player workload, rest and recovery, off-season duration, and player representation.
However, FIFPro — which represents over 65,000 players and 72 national unions , was not invited.
The union condemned the forum, calling it “not a meaningful global representation of independent player unions.”
In a strongly worded statement, FIFPro accused FIFA of “promoting fake or ‘yellow’ unions,” arguing that the organisation was attempting to bypass established, independent labour bodies.
The union further alleged that FIFA has previously used similar tactics by forming “FIFA-friendly organisations” to influence consultations involving agents and fans, a move FIFPro says undermines workers’ rights and violates International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in response, defended the governing body’s approach, saying:
“FIFA wants to work with all those genuinely interested in progress and respectful dialogue — our door is always open to all views that respect these values.”
Relations between FIFA and FIFPro have been increasingly strained in recent years, particularly over concerns about player workload and fixture congestion.
The tension intensified during the expanded Club World Cup, where FIFPro accused FIFA of disregarding player welfare.
The union has urged FIFA to adopt a genuine collective bargaining process that aligns with international labour standards, warning that continued exclusion of recognised unions could further damage trust between players and the governing body.
