FIFPRO
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14/08/2025
  • The former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder was re-elected at the division’s General Assembly in Cairo, Egypt
  • Desmond Maringwa was voted in as divisional Vice President and remains on the board alongside Magdy Abdelghani and Terry Ouko
  • The division welcomed representatives from non-member unions across Africa on 13-14 August

Geremie Njitap has been re-elected FIFPRO Africa President at the division’s General Assembly, which took place on 13-14 August in Cairo, Egypt.

The former Cameroon international and two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner will continue to serve on FIFPRO’s global board alongside his role as FIFPRO Africa President, leading Division Africa in protecting the rights of footballers in the continent.

Geremie said: "As FIFPRO Africa, we have taken an important step forward in the protection of player rights on our continent. We have made the necessary improvements to our statutes to guarantee high standards of good governance, and we’ve followed up with the elections for our executive committee.

"It is exciting that FIFPRO Africa members once again voted me onto their board; as their President I will do my utmost to help us achieve our goals. To advance, we will need the support, creativity, ideas and enthusiasm of all our members and the African players."

Geremie FIFPRO Africa GA 2025
FIFPRO Africa President Geremie Njitap

Desmond Maringwa (Zimbabwe) was elected as FIFPRO Africa Vice President and will continue to operate on the division’s board alongside Magdy Abdelghani (Egypt) and Terry Ouko (Kenya). Herita Ilunga (Congo DR) steps down from his service on the board.

Reflecting on the General Assembly, FIFPRO Africa Secretary General Kgosana Masaseng said: "The primary agenda item was the approval of the revised FIFPRO Africa statutes to ensure alignment with FIFPRO global, thereby establishing a unified body capable of consistently and authoritatively advocating for players’ rights.

"These amended statutes are intended to facilitate collaboration between member unions, the division, and other strategic football stakeholders, with the goal of enabling coordinated initiatives and mutual support."

FIFPRO Africa Board
Geremie Njitap (seated) with board members Terry Ouko (left), Desmond Maringwa (centre) and Magdy Abdelghani (right)

Growing influence

FIFPRO Africa represents the workforce needs of footballers in the continent, with national player associations providing invaluable services that support and protect the workplace priorities of players.

Player representatives from seven non-member unions in Africa – Benin, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda – were welcomed by the division in Cairo and observed the General Assembly.

Geremie said: "We, the African players, have to unite. In that light, it was encouraging to welcome representatives of seven player associations from other countries, who are aspiring to one day join us. I strongly believe our members inspired them to continue their work, which in the end, will only help to make FIFPRO’s voice in Africa stronger."

FIFPRO’s legal department informed the African unions about the latest developments about the transfer rules, maternity rights, agent regulations and the Diarra case.

The event was also used as an opportunity to reflect on the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the firsthand player feedback that was gathered on tournament conditions.

The management of players’ commercial and image rights was also in focus, as was cross-sport best practice with the attendance of South African rugby player union MyPlayers.

Two leading football journalists – Oluwashina Sanni Okeleji and Aliou Goloko – took part in a panel analysing how player unions can collaborate with media to shape football development and policies in Africa to better serve players.