Union-led education supports Lithuanian players

• FIFPRO Europe and UEFA joined PFA Lithuania’s player workshops on contract education, legal matters, match-fixing and anti-doping as part of their joint commitment to player development under the UEFA–FIFPRO Europe Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
• PFA Lithuania’s work on this project is aimed at the country’s A League and First League teams
• UEFA Senior Stakeholder Affairs Expert Nicholas Beazley and FIFPRO Europe General Secretary Joachim Walltin joined a session with players from FK Zalgiris

A joint delegation from FIFPRO Europe and UEFA met in Lithuania last week to ensure players are being equipped to protect their careers on and off the pitch.

The visit coincided with workshops delivered by PFA Lithuania on contract education, legal matters, match-fixing and anti-doping – part of the project ‘Empowering Lithuanian Footballers: Legal, Anti-Doping, and Regulatory Support’. The initiative is funded by FIFPRO Europe and supported by UEFA through their 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which supports player-focused projects across Europe.

In Lithuania, the programme targets players in the A League (10 clubs) and First League (16 clubs). PFA Lithuania President Arunas Klimavicius is visiting each club alongside lawyer Martynas Kalvelis to deliver sessions directly to players.

"This project provides concrete benefits for players," said Klimavicius. "By better understanding their contractual rights and responsibilities, players are more protected from exploitation. Education on anti-doping and match-fixing also helps them avoid unintentional violations that could jeopardise their careers.

"Ultimately, informed players contribute to raising the overall level of Lithuanian football. Our goal is to help players approach their careers more professionally and responsibly."

UEFA Senior Stakeholder Affairs Expert Nicholas Beazley, FIFPRO Europe General Secretary Joachim Walltin and FIFPRO Divisional Coordinator Mateo Peyrouzet joined a session with players from 11-time Lithuanian champions FK Zalgiris, who are currently in pre-season ahead of the 2026 league campaign.

"It’s encouraging to see the union’s development two years after our last visit," said Walltin. "Strengthened by the MoU with UEFA, FIFPRO Europe continues to support project activities that make a real difference for players on the ground."

Beazley added: "This is part of our wider partnership with FIFPRO Europe, aimed at supporting footballers across Europe. We hope this is the start of many positive initiatives."

The MoU between FIFPRO Europe and UEFA is designed to strengthen the role of players and their unions in European football governance. It supports collaboration on areas including player education, medical research, anti-doping initiatives, and discrimination awareness, while also opening pathways to develop women’s football through fair employment standards.