FIFPRO Global Board appoints Stephane Burchkalter as new Secretary General

• Burchkalter previously served as FIFPRO Deputy and Interim Secretary General
• Global Board met in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 7-9 September
• Discussions focused on FIFPRO's strategic priorities and the evolving relationship with key football stakeholders

The FIFPRO Global Board has appointed Stephane Burchkalter as new Secretary General, bringing extensive experience within the organisation and the global player union movement to the role.

The appointment was made during a three-day meeting of the Global Board in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 7-9 September. Board members discussed the organisation's strategic priorities, stakeholder relations and developments across key areas of FIFPRO's work.

Burchkalter succeeds Alex Phillips as Secretary General.

A familiar figure across FIFPRO's global network, Burchkalter previously served as Deputy Secretary General from 2019 and as Interim Secretary General during 2024. He was also Secretary General of FIFPRO Africa and has extensive experience within the player union movement through his work with French player union UNFP, where he has served as Director of the Legal Department.

FIFPRO President Sergio Marchi said: "Stephane brings a deep understanding of FIFPRO, our member unions and the challenges facing players across different parts of the world. His experience across the organisation and the wider player union movement, together with his knowledge of the football industry, will be important as we continue to strengthen FIFPRO and the collective voice of players globally.

"The board has full confidence in Stephane's ability to lead the organisation through its next phase and to work closely with our members, staff and stakeholders to advance the interests of professional footballers worldwide."

Stephane Burchkalter said: "I have had the privilege of serving players at both national and international level throughout my career, and each experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of strong, independent player representation. Returning to FIFPRO in this role is a great responsibility, and I look forward to bringing those experiences together to serve our member unions and players around the world."

Global Board meeting in Buenos Aires

Burchkalter's appointment was part of a broader agenda during the three-day meeting in Buenos Aires, where the Global Board discussed FIFPRO's strategic direction and the evolving landscape of relationships with key football stakeholders. Directors also provided updates across the organisation's main areas of work, informing discussions on priorities and next steps.

Marchi said: "We are at an important moment for professional football and for player representation. Our responsibility is to protect the rights and wellbeing of players, but it does not stop there. We are continuing to strengthen the position of players within the football industry so their collective voice carries greater weight in the decisions that shape the game.

"The discussions in Buenos Aires reflected that ambition. We want to keep building strong relationships across football while ensuring that players are recognised as a central part of the decision-making process."
The FIFPRO Global Board will meet again in November, during the organisation's General Assembly in Panama.