FIFPRO Central and North America elects Juan Ramón Solís as new president

• Executive director of Panamanian union AFUTPA takes over as president of CNA division
• Solis elected by the executive committee during Extraordinary General Assembly on 15 April
• Carlos Figueroa, executive director of the Guatemalan union Sifupgua, will serve as vice-president

The Extraordinary General Assembly of FIFPRO Central and North America (CNA), which took place in Panama on 15 April, inaugurated a new phase for the region with the ratification of a new executive committee and the election of Juan Ramón Solis as president.

Solis, executive director of the Panamanian players' union AFUTPA, was elected by the executive committee of the division, a member of FIFPRO Americas.

The president-elect is a former Panamanian international with a degree in business administration and a master's degree in sports management.

"To be elected chairman of the CNA executive committee is a great honour and a great responsibility," said Solis.

"As a former footballer, I know first-hand the needs and challenges of our players. My commitment is to work with humility and dedication so that every footballer in the region has a voice, protection and opportunities. Together, through dialogue, solidarity and unity, we will lead our region to a fairer future for all.

The executive committee also decided that Carlos Figueroa, executive director of the Guatemalan union, will be the new vice president. Bob Foose (executive director of the US union MLSPA), Alejandro Sequeira (president of ASOJUPRO in Costa Rica), and Dan Kruk (director of PFA Canada), complete the composition of the executive committee.

In addition to the election of the new authorities, which represents the starting point of a renewed phase in the area in the defence of the interests of football players in the region, constructive discussions took place between the unions present on projects, strategic direction and other issues of importance.

Alex Phillips, Secretary General of FIFPRO, was present at the Extraordinary General Assembly. "From FIFPRO we highlight the constructive spirit of the Assembly held in Panama, which opens a new stage for the region. We will accompany the unions in this process, promoting greater coordination and a shared agenda with the commitment to turn this new cycle into concrete progress for football players," said Phillips.