March 16 – A FIFPro study of working conditions in the domestic game in 79 countries shows “less than one-third have a well-functioning system” with stable employment conditions.
The report, named ‘Shaping Our Future’ and based on economic market inputs from auditing firm KPMG, says there are far too few national and international financial protection schemes to guarantee that players receive their salaries
While Europe’s top-five domestic leagues in England, France, Germany, Spain and Italy were said to have a “high degree of stability”, there were 23 countries facing “significant challenges to development”.
More than 70% of the analysed 79 countries have average club budgets below €10 million. Only 30 of 79 domestic football markets have annual broadcast income of more than $5 million.
“We are in the middle of a new wave of industrial and societal development but the culture and governance in the game is stuck in the past,” said FIFPro General Secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann.
“Players must have a say on issues that affect their working conditions and take their rightful position in decision-making structures.
“It is time for a new ‘social contract’ and a commitment to treat players – male, female, on all continents – with dignity and respect.”
Among the key recommendations highlighted in the report are: Stability & Protection: global salary protection mechanisms; Sustainable Growth: investment in player careers and conditions; Jobs & Innovation: new competition models at all levels of the game; Player Voice & Activism: collective bargaining and access to justice
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1714170126labto1714170126ofdlr1714170126owedi1714170126sni@w1714170126ahsra1714170126w.wer1714170126dna1714170126