May 7 – Brazilian players’ union FENAPAF has joined FIFPRO, the world players’ union confirmed on Wednesday. FENAPAF will serve as a special observer – and not yet as a full member.
As previously reported by Inside World Football, FENAPAF, the Brazilian national union with 17 states and representing 10,000 professional footballers, has partnered with FIFPRO, who find themselves under fire from FIFA and AIF, the Association of International Footballers, recently launched by David Aganzo.
In a statement, FIFPRO President Sergio Marchi said: “This is a step towards working within a global framework that is built on legitimacy, representation and shared principles.
“In a context where the landscape of player representation is evolving, maintaining unity and clarity around how players are represented at international level is critical to protecting their interests effectively.”
The reintegration of Brazil will reinforce the world players’ union’s position within the global game, and it’s understood that FIFPRO is also seeking to reintegrate the German players union (VDV).
“Rejoining FIFPRO represents a significant moment for professional footballers in Brazil. We believe in the value of a strong, united and global voice for players, and FIFPRO plays that role in representing and defending their interests worldwide,” added Jorge Borçat, President of FENAPAF.
Last month, Aganzo launched AIF. The Spaniard left FIFPRO under a cloud after numerous national unions demanded that he step down. He then severed ties between AFE, the Spanish players’ union, and FIFPRO, but FIFA has been keen on cultivating Aganzo, inviting him to a meeting in Rabat where the world federation invited unions with friendly relations to Zurich.
Last week, Aganzo was present at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver where he sought to present AIF to other stakeholders. He denied that FIFA would provide funding for AIF and indicated that, instead, AIF would rely on dues from the membership.
AIF’s launch came as the relationship between FIFPRO and FIFA remains strained after the FIFPRO Europe launched a complaint at the European Commission against FIFA in 2024 over the international match calendar.
The complaint alleges that FIFA’s unilateral scheduling of the 32-team Club World Cup formed an abuse of dominant position and violated EU competition law, severely threatening player health. It’s understood that Infantino himself has repeatedly asked FIFPRO to drop the complaint.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at [email protected]