Fifa is set to intensify its dispute with the global players' union Fifpro by proceeding with plans to develop new player welfare proposals without consulting the union. The world football governing body has scheduled a meeting of its professional players consultation forum in Rabat, Morocco, for this Saturday, inviting player unions from several nations but notably excluding Fifpro, which represents over 65,000 members and 72 national unions, including England's Professional Footballers' Association.
According to the invitation sent by Fifa to 'representatives of football players from around the world', the Rabat meeting will address 'key issues facing players in the modern game'. The invitation also states that Fifa will cover the cost of flights and accommodation for attendees. Sources close to Fifa say the governing body believes it has a responsibility to move forward with drafting new welfare protocols, despite the absence of Fifpro.
The decision to sideline Fifpro follows a complaint made by the union last year to the European Commission over an alleged lack of consultation regarding the introduction of the Club World Cup. The situation worsened after Fifa held a meeting in New York during the Club World Cup on player welfare, inviting some national unions but not Fifpro. Fifpro president Sergio Marchi publicly criticised Fifa, describing the tournament as 'reminiscent of the bread and circuses of Nero's Rome' and accusing Fifa of lacking dialogue and respect for players.
In response, Fifa accused Fifpro's leadership of 'not really caring about the players' and of pursuing 'a path of public confrontation driven by artificial PR battles'. Fifa demanded that the union publish its 'full financial reports' to 'ensure that what is being preached is also being practised', suggesting that only then would Fifpro be invited 'to return to the negotiating table'.
Fifpro has suspended members who attended the New York meeting, and it is understood some of these officials will be in attendance in Rabat. A Fifpro statement expressed surprise that Fifa had again called player representatives to a meeting without inviting the union.
