FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier takes seat at UEFA Executive Committee as first player representative with voting rights

• David Terrier became the first player representative in history to sit with voting rights on the UEFA Executive Committee following UEFA’s landmark decision to formally include FIFPRO Europe on the body
• The appointment further strengthens the structured partnership between FIFPRO Europe and UEFA, building on the memorandum of understanding signed in October 2024 
• The meeting saw several decisions adopted to strengthen player welfare standards in European club competitions, including mandatory health insurance coverage

FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier has taken his seat as a full voting member of the UEFA Executive Committee for the first time, marking a historic milestone for professional players in football governance.

Terrier joined Wednesday’s meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye, following the ratification of UEFA’s revised statutes at the UEFA Congress in February, which formally secured FIFPRO Europe’s place on the Executive Committee.

The meeting saw the adoption of several decisions aimed at strengthening player welfare standards and at reinforcing national team football.

Enhanced player protections

UEFA approved a new edition of its Club Licensing and Financial Sustainability Regulations for both men’s and women’s football, introducing enhanced player welfare and medical standards. These include mandatory health insurance coverage for players, compulsory anti-doping education for first-team players and staff, the appointment of a designated medical doctor as the single point of contact for medical data, and mandatory first-aid qualifications for youth coaches.

"Today’s decisions are a positive and concrete step forward for players and for the long-term sustainability of European football," said Terrier, a former player with West Ham United, Newcastle United, OGC Nice, FC Metz and AC Ajaccio. 

"I want to thank UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin’s personal commitment to player-centric protections. Measures such as mandatory health insurance and clearer medical responsibilities reflect the growing recognition that player welfare is no longer treated as secondary within the game’s development."

The new edition of UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Sustainability Regulations for men’s and women’s football is the result of extensive collaborative work involving FIFPRO Europe board member and UEFA Club Licensing Committee member Fraser Wishart alongside UEFA, National Associations, the European Football Clubs and European Leagues representatives.

New concept for men’s national team competitions

The UEFA Executive Committee also approved a new concept for men’s national team competitions from 2028 onwards. FIFPRO Europe welcomes this reform, noting that it creates a more meaningful competitive framework for national players – without placing any additional burden on the international match calendar. 

"National team football is at the heart of what players cherish most about their careers. Representing your country remains one of the greatest honours in football and it deserves a competition worthy of that, with no additional pressure on players’ workload. This last point matters enormously to us."

A word of thanks

Terrier also extended his personal gratitude to the hosts of this week’s meeting. "I would like to warmly thank TPFD President Saffet Akyüz and General Secretary Mehmet Gokturk, as well as the leadership of the Turkish Football Federation, for their hospitality here in Istanbul."