FIFPRO CNA sets out regional strategy at General Assembly

• FIFPRO Central and North America’s five member unions met for the division’s General Assembly in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
• The assembly was their first gathering since the election of a new Executive Committee and Juan Ramon Solis as President in April
• Discussions focused on a new strategic plan to strengthen the division and defend footballers’ interests across the region

FIFPRO Central and North America (CNA) brought together its five member unions on 6-7 October for a General Assembly focused on shaping the division’s strategic direction for the coming years.

Held in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, the assembly was hosted by the Guatemalan Professional Footballers’ Union (SIFUPGUA). Representatives from the Panamanian Professional Footballers’ Association (AFUTPA), the Costa Rican Professional Players’ Association (ASOJUPRO), the Professional Footballers Association Canada (PFA Canada) and the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) also attended.

The meeting was the division’s first gathering since the election of a new Executive Committee in April, when AFUTPA Executive Director Juan Ramon Solis became FIFPRO CNA President. It provided an opportunity to build on the direction agreed six months earlier and define priorities for the years ahead.

Over the two days, member unions worked together to develop a new strategic plan to strengthen the division’s growth and its work defending footballers’ interests across the region.

"The discussions at this assembly have enabled us to take another step forward as an organisation," said Solis. "Through this strategic plan, we aim to build a stronger, more representative FIFPRO CNA with an increasingly influential voice in our region."

Concacaf Chief Football Competitions Officer Carlos Fernandez attended the first day of the assembly as a guest, joining discussions with stakeholders from across the region’s football community. Guatemalan footballer Ana Lucia Martinez, who plays for Cruz Azul Femenil and is a member of FIFPRO’s Global Player Council, also attended the assembly.

FIFPRO Secretary General Stephane Burchkalter joined remotely.

"It is very encouraging for FIFPRO to see the progress being made in the region," said Burchkalter. "We will work closely with our member unions to ensure that the frameworks for collaboration established at global level are soon reflected in similar frameworks at regional level."

ASOJUPRO President Alejandro Sequeira, who represents FIFPRO CNA on the FIFPRO Global Board, added: "Over the coming months, we will work to ensure that FIFPRO CNA develops its priorities in line with the new global context."

The region will also host the global FIFPRO General Assembly, which takes place in Panama City on 17-19 November.