FIFPRO Africa General Assembly brings together player representatives from 30 countries in Kenya

• FIFPRO Africa hosted its divisional General Assembly on 4-5 June in Nairobi, Kenya
• The gathering was one of the most representative in the organisation's history, reflecting the growing strength of Africa’s player voice
• Delegates from World Players Association, African Leagues and CAF were also in attendance 

FIFPRO Africa convened its General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, on 4-5 June 2026, bringing together player association representatives from 30 countries across the continent for two days of discussion and strategic planning.

The gathering, one of the most representative in the organisation’s history, also welcomed several observer members who are actively working to organise players in their respective countries, underlining the steady expansion of player representation across Africa.

Delegates exchanged insights through national activity reports, highlighting progress made in supporting players in their respective countries.

"Having representatives from 30 countries in one room demonstrates the strength and unity of the player voice in Africa," said FIFPRO Africa General Secretary Kgosana Masaseng. "Our members operate in different football environments, but they share many of the same challenges. 

"This assembly allows us to learn from one another, strengthen our collective position and continue building a future where every professional footballer in Africa is represented and heard."

Key stakeholders in attendance 

International cooperation and labour rights were also key themes of the gathering. Matthew Graham, Head of UNI World Players Association, presented the 2026 International Labour Organization (ILO) Guidelines for Professional Athletes, outlining the importance of safeguarding athlete rights and promoting decent working conditions throughout sport.

Collaboration within African football was also discussed, with African Leagues representative Khaled Refaat providing an update on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FIFPRO Africa and African Leagues. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between player representatives and league stakeholders to help improve football’s professional environment across the continent.

The assembly also heard from FIFPRO Asia/Oceania Secretary General Shoko Tsuji, who shared perspectives on player representation and union development from across the Asia-Pacific region. In November 2025, FIFPRO Africa and FIFPRO Asia/Oceania formalised a strategic partnership through a MoU aimed at strengthening collaboration and advancing player representation across the regions.

Player-centric issues 

Women's football featured prominently on the second day of the General Assembly, with discussions centred on the creation of the FIFPRO Africa Women's Network and strategies to support the continued growth of the women’s game. Delegates also received updates on the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and broader initiatives designed to improve opportunities and working conditions for women footballers.

Player health and wellbeing remained a priority topic. CAF Medical Manager Dr Boubakary Sidiki presented an overview of the CAF Medical Committee’s activities, while delegates also received updates on global player health initiatives and research led by FIFPRO.

Additional sessions covered employment conditions in football, financial regulations, commercial rights and legal strategy, reflecting the broad range of issues that shape the professional lives of players.

The General Assembly concluded with a renewed commitment from member unions to work together in advancing player rights, strengthening representation and ensuring footballers across Africa have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their careers.

In his address, FIFPRO Africa President Geremie Njitap said that discussions over the last two days have shown that player unions across Africa are increasingly organised and determined to improve the game for current and future generations of footballers.

“Our responsibility now is to turn these conversations into tangible outcomes that strengthen player rights,” said Njitap.