African Leagues and FIFPRO Africa sign landmark memorandum of understanding, establishing a formal dialogue to strengthen African football

On 28 March 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, African Leagues signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with FIFPRO Africa, marking a significant step forward in strengthening governance and labour relations across African professional football.

The MoU is supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which was also present at the signing.

The agreement establishes a structured and ongoing social dialogue between African Leagues (representing the interests of employers) and FIFPRO Africa (representing the interests of players). It aims to support improved governance frameworks, better labour conditions, and long-term sustainability within national competitions across the continent.

Through this partnership, African Leagues reinforces its commitment to building professional and stable league structures. The MoU also promotes inclusive collaboration with key stakeholders, including CAF, FIFA, national football associations, and the International Labour Organization.

Key areas of focus include the development of contract standards, support for collective bargaining structures, improve dispute resolution mechanisms, and capacity building initiatives for leagues and unions. The Task Force on Social Dialogue within the African Leagues will directly steer the implementation of the MoU.

The MoU also establishes a joint continental committee that will issue recommendations and engage with stakeholders to advance African football. 

The agreement materialises a shared vision by African Leagues and FIFPRO Africa to enhance league stability, strengthen player conditions, and promote collaboration with stakeholders.

Ahmed Deiab, Chair of African Leagues and President of the Egyptian Pro Leagues, said: "This memorandum of understanding marks an important milestone for African football. It reflects our commitment to building strong and transparent professional leagues that can work together with player representatives around shared objectives." 

Geremie Njitap, President of FIFPRO Africa, stated: "Professional football in Africa is a major employer and needs structured labour relations. This agreement aligns with international standards, including those of the International Labour Organization, and marks a major step towards a more fair, sustainable and professionally governed football industry in Africa."

Eric Oechslin, Director at the International Labour Organization, said: "The ILO is glad to support the signing of this agreement between African Leagues and FIFPRO Africa, which marks a significant step towards strengthening social dialogue in African football. By bringing together leagues and player representatives, this agreement promotes fair labour practices and sustainable development for African football, in line with international labour standards."

African Leagues: A new regional force

African Leagues was formally launched on 28 March 2026 in Cairo, Egypt, as a formal regional division of the World Leagues Association.

Its founding members are the professional leagues from Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Members agreed on a shared Declaration of Principles focused on strengthening national competitions, enhancing governance standards, and accelerating the professionalisation of league structures across Africa.

With the support of the World Leagues Association, African Leagues represents a major step toward greater collaboration, and long-term development of professional football across the continent.