How FIFPRO's EDI Committee is making a difference

FIFPRO’s newly appointed Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee recently convened for its first two online meetings.

Comprised of three FIFPRO global board members, representatives from FIFPRO's member unions, and independent candidates, FIFPRO’s EDI Committee plays a critical role in defining and helping the organisation advance its global EDI strategy.

Committee members act as advocates and change-agents that provide insight, expertise and experience related to equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as the context of player unions worldwide – ensuring EDI sits at the heart of FIFPRO’s activities.

FIFPRO’s EDI Committee

• Maria Florencia Chirico: MUFP (Uruguay)
• Anna Green: NZPFA (New Zealand)
• Justin Morrow: USC Race & Equity Center
• Terry Ouko: KEFWA (Kenya)
• Simone Pound: PFA (England)
• Karin Sendel: IFPO (Israel), FIFPRO board member
• Onalethata Tshekiso: FUB (Botswana)
• Fraser Wishart: PFAS (Scotland), FIFPRO board member
• Takuya Yamazaki: JFPA (Japan), FIFPRO board member
• Ellen Zavian: SafeSport International

The committee brings together experts with lived experience and deep knowledge of inclusion in football. Their expertise, as former players, lawyers and union leaders, includes advising on inclusive policies, sharing best practices on anti-discrimination, delivering education resources, and ensuring FIFPRO’s strategy supports equity and inclusion for all players.

"It’s about partnership and accountability," said FIFPRO’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Erica Puppo, speaking about the EDI Committee. "By uniting diverse perspectives and expertise, we can support unions, amplify player voices, and drive real progress towards a more equitable and inclusive football industry.

"The EDI Committee represents our commitment to meaningful, sustained action on equity and inclusion."

Going forward, the committee’s core goals are to continuously embed principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in FIFPRO’s structures and work, empower unions to champion inclusion, promote accountability, and foster global collaboration to ensure football is safe and inclusive for all players.

Simone Pound, PFA’s Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said: "It’s incredibly important that players’ lived experiences are represented in forums like this committee which have the power to drive change.

"FIFPRO plays a key role in bringing unions and stakeholders together from across the global game, and it’s crucial to continue this collaborative work to address issues which matter to our members."