November 17 – David Aganzo (pictured), head of the Spanish footballers union AFE, has been elected president of world players union FIFPro, dashing once and for all speculation that the job might have gone to ex-UEFA chief Michel Platini.
Platini has completed his FIFA ban over the infamous “disloyal payment” received from Sepp Blatter and for a while it was touted that the Frenchman was interested in returning to the sport by replacing compatriot Philippe Piat as Fifpro boss.
That was never going to happen, especially since it was recently announced that Platini faces trial in Switzerland, and the job has gone to 40-year-old Aganzo, who came through the Real Madrid academy and appeared in their triumphant 1999-2000 Champions League campaign at the age of 19.
He has been president of AFE since 2017, when he replaced Luis Rubiales, now president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Piat served two four-year terms and Aganzo’s appointment was confirmed at FIFPro’s general assembly in Paris.
“Let me be clear to everyone. I take the position with enthusiasm, knowing that it involves a great responsibility,” he said.
“All my predecessors, with dedication and effort, have strengthened the figure of the footballer over time. My deepest respect to Philippe Piat, a good friend and a leader who in recent years has given FIFPro an important boost.”
“We are not going to allow players and their unions to continue to be abused. In the past we have always been respectful and even too understanding with some situations.
“We will continue to be so, but make no mistake, I believe that the time has come to act so that our independence is stronger than ever, so that the rights of all footballers are respected.”
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