European football stakeholders discuss player-facing issues at FIFPRO Europe General Assembly

• FIFPRO Europe General Assembly took place on 11-12 June in Stockholm, Sweden
  
  
• New board confirmed; David Terrier to continue as FIFPRO Europe’s president
  
  
• FIFPRO Europe’s 2022-2025 strategy analysed over two days, alongside key stakeholder relations and expansion of Raising Our Game Europe

Members of FIFPRO Europe met in Stockholm, Sweden, for their General Assembly on 11-12 June, where they confirmed the make-up of the board for the next four years and re-elected David Terrier as the division’s president.

Terrier, president of French player union UNFP, is a former professional footballer who played for clubs such as Metz, Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Nice. He will continue as FIFPRO Europe president following his re-election to the position he has held since 2023.

"I want to sincerely thank you all for your trust," he said. "By now, you know me well enough to understand that I don’t achieve anything alone. I rely on the strength of our unions and the support of the players. Together with the board, we will continue to work as a team - because that’s the only way we know, and the only way we can deliver real progress for men’s and women’s players."

He added: "We have a lot of work ahead, and many ideas and opportunities across multiple fronts. This is a long game, and we must keep playing it. The time has come to drive meaningful change in football - change that has a positive, lasting impact on players at every level."

Terrier will remain on the FIFPRO Europe board alongside eight other members. Karin Sendel (IFPO – Israel), Maheta Molango (PFA – England), Fraser Wishart (PFA – Scotland), and Terrier continue in their roles as part of FIFPRO’s global board; Marketa Haindlova (CAFH – Czechia), Mila Hristova (ABF – Bulgaria), and Spyros Neofytides (PASP – Cyprus) were re-elected, while Carlo Mamo (MFPA – Malta) and Mehmet Gokturk Aslan (TPFD – Turkiye) join the board for the first time.

FIFPRO Europe strategies analysed

Following a welcome from the assembly’s hosts, Spelarföreningen, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary, FIFPRO’s European members discussed several topics over the course of two days in the Swedish capital. 

"As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our union, it is a true honour to welcome our colleagues from across the region," said Anders Jemail, president of Spelarföreningen.

"This gathering not only reflects our shared commitment to defending players’ rights but also reminds us of the power of solidarity that has defined our work for five decades. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more unified voice for footballers across Europe."

On day one, a report on FIFPRO Europe’s strategy for 2022-2025 was presented, as were updates regarding women’s football, men’s football and the expansion of the successful Raising Our Game Europe (ROGE) programme throughout the continent and to the wider FIFPRO membership.

In the latter part of the day, breakout sessions were organised to focus on areas of particular interest to member unions, including young player engagement, commercial, and men’s and women’s football policy.

Key stakeholders add different voices to assembly discussions

On day two, representatives from European football stakeholders took part in the discussions, including UEFA, leagues, clubs and fans.

Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport at the European Commission, addressed the plenary with a video message, in which he said: "The players at the heart of European football, from the grassroots to the top leagues, deserve to benefit from fair working conditions, no matter their gender, and respect for both their physical and mental health, just like anyone working in Europe today."

Micallef added: "Together, we must ensure that football in Europe remains just, inclusive and future-ready, with player welfare at its core."

UEFA Deputy General Secretary Giorgio Marchetti provided a debrief on the new UEFA Champions League format, followed by an open conversation with Maheta Molango covering various issues affecting players in the region.

Marchetti said: "Being here is important - it highlights the steady progress both organisations are making and reflects the commitment of FIFPRO Europe to actively contribute to the future of European football. Governance must be a shared responsibility. We shouldn't act on behalf of stakeholders, but alongside them. Meaningful progress can only be achieved through collaboration, and we are on a promising path to making that a reality."