Baku, November 28, AZERTAC

The Global Union for Professional Football Players (FIFPro) revamped 12-person Association Board was ratified at the global player union’s General Assembly in Indonesia on 26-28 November, according to the official FIFPro website.

FIFPRO’s global board carries the responsibility of defending the working rights of more than 60,000 men’s and women’s footballers and uniting the voice of over 70 national player associations. The new Association Board was confirmed following the governance recommendations made by management consultancy Oliver Wyman, approved by an overwhelming majority of FIFPRO’s member unions in June 2024.

Sergio Marchi, current General Secretary of Argentinian player union FAA and president of FIFPRO South America, has been elected FIFPRO President after commanding a majority vote by the global board. The former defender, who played for clubs such as San Lorenzo, Almirante Brown and Union Santa Fe, becomes FIFPRO’s first non-European President.

FIFPRO President Marchi said: “It is a great honour to be elected as the new FIFPRO President. It is a lot of responsibility and it is going to be a huge challenge, and one which requires a big response and a lot of commitment.

"Today is the start of a new process. The future will present its challenges, but they are challenges we can face with hope. There is no football without footballers – and we will keep working hard to improve their conditions with hope and conviction."

Meanwhile, Alexander Phillips has been announced as FIFPRO’s Secretary General and will commence the role on 1 March 2025. Phillips said: “I’m honoured to be appointed FIFPRO’s Secretary General and I’m grateful for the trust placed in me. I look forward to working with our members and stakeholders to build on FIFPRO’s legacy, championing players’ rights and driving collective solutions for a fair and inclusive future in football.”