2026 FIFPRO Europe General Assembly reinforces unity, governance progress and player representation in European football

• Thirty-three European player unions gathered in Prague alongside key football stakeholders
  
• Discussions focused on governance, player representation, working conditions and player safety
  
• FIFPRO Europe reinforced the importance of collective action and structured social dialogue 

FIFPRO Europe gathered 33 member unions and key football stakeholders in Prague, Czechia, this week for the 2026 FIFPRO Europe General Assembly, reinforcing the growing influence of organised player representation within European football governance.

Representatives from player unions across Europe were joined by senior delegates from institutions including UEFA and EU social partners, European Leagues and EFC, plus Football Supporters Europe and other industry partners, reflecting the broad range of voices engaged in discussions around the future of European football.

"The presence of so many stakeholders at this year’s General Assembly says a lot about the position FIFPRO Europe and its member unions have built within the game through trust, credibility and years of constructive engagement across European football," said FIFPRO Europe General Secretary Joachim Walltin.

Hosted by the Czech Association of Football Players (CAFH), the General Assembly brought together European player unions alongside FIFPRO President Sergio Marchi to discuss the future of player representation, social dialogue, working conditions and governance in football, while also reflecting on the significant progress achieved collectively by unions across the region in recent years.

"Hosting the FIFPRO Europe General Assembly in Prague is an important moment for our union and for Czech football," said Marketa Haindlova, Chairwoman of the Czech Association of Football Players (CAFH) and FIFPRO Europe board member. "Bringing together unions and stakeholders from across Europe reflects the importance of collective dialogue, cooperation and strong player representation in shaping the future of the game."

FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier stressed that the strength of the organisation lies in the unity and alignment of independent unions working together through a democratic and recognised structure.

"When we are united, we can change this industry," said Terrier. "Today, FIFPRO Europe is represented on the UEFA Executive Committee. That means the voice of players, organised and structured, is present at the highest level of decision-making in European football. This is not symbolic. It reflects a changing balance of power."

Unity, responsibility and future of the game

Discussions throughout the assembly focused on some of the key structural challenges and responsibilities facing modern football, including collective governance, player representation in decision-making, industry revenue distribution, and measures to address discrimination, abuse and player safety within the workplace.

Delegates examined European social dialogue, strategic priorities for the region and player representation within football decision-making structures all took place, while FIFPRO Europe’s strategy document for 2026-2029 was presented to members, along with presentations on the strategic landscape in men’s and women’s football.

Former player and Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness also took part in discussions during the assembly, contributing to a panel focused on inclusive governance and player representation in football decision-making structures.

Delegates also exchanged perspectives on safeguarding and workplace protections for players, including discussions linked to the FC Slovacko case and the broader responsibility of football institutions to ensure safe working environments.

Representatives from UEFA, including Deputy General Secretary & Executive Director of Football Giorgio Marchetti and Director of Women’s Football Nadine Kessler, alongside delegates from European Leagues, supporter organisations, club stakeholders and athlete representative bodies, took part in discussions throughout the assembly, highlighting FIFPRO Europe’s recognised role within the football industry and the growing importance of structured social dialogue in shaping the future of the game.

Terrier also reflected on the collective progress achieved by European player unions in recent years and the responsibility that comes with greater influence within the game.

"Because the past year has been marked by major progress, among the most significant in our history," said Terrier. "But let us be clear: our victories are not an end in themselves. They are a responsibility. They prove one simple thing: when we are united, we can change this industry. And therefore, we must continue to do so."

FIFPRO Europe reaffirmed that constructive collaboration with stakeholders does not compromise union independence but instead strengthens the ability of players to influence the future of football through credible and organised representation.

As discussions concluded in Prague, FIFPRO Europe reiterated its commitment to continuing the long-term work of strengthening protections, representation and working conditions for professional footballers across Europe and beyond.