Global footballers’ union FIFPRO has sharply criticised a newly proposed international player group unveiled in Madrid, warning that the initiative lacks legitimacy and may not serve the interests of professional footballers worldwide.
In a statement issued on Thursday, FIFPRO said it had been closely monitoring the development of the player group concept introduced by the president of the Spanish players’ union, AFE. While acknowledging AFE’s longstanding contribution to representing footballers in Spain, the global body expressed strong reservations about the new initiative.
“FIFPRO recognises the strong work over several decades of AFE for men’s football players in Spain,” the organisation said, adding that the concept announced in Madrid “appears nothing more than a speculative attempt to boost his own standing through a group which lacks the fundamental legitimacy to represent professional footballers globally.”
The development comes amid growing tensions within global football governance, following the launch of a rival international players’ body led by AFE president David Aganzo, which is seeking to challenge FIFPRO’s long-established role as the primary representative of professional footballers.
FIFPRO further argued that the proposed structure is not rooted in a genuine mandate from players, stating that “the evidence shows his concept is driven by personal motives rather than a mandate from players around the world.”
Reaffirming its own position, FIFPRO said player representation must be “responsible and sustainable,” built through independent and accountable structures that reflect the collective voice of footballers. The organisation noted that it currently represents more than 60,000 players through 70 national unions and is formally recognised by major international institutions and football governing bodies.
The union also highlighted internal developments that contributed to the current rift, noting that governance reforms within FIFPRO led to the AFE president losing his position within the global body. It added that AFE subsequently ended its affiliation with FIFPRO, a move it said has weakened international support systems for Spanish players.
According to FIFPRO, concerns have also been raised over the groups now being engaged by AFE leadership, alleging that some lack democratic mandates or have previously been expelled from FIFPRO due to governance issues. The organisation warned that “such an approach to player representation is not in the best interests of professional footballers.”
