October 16 – The World Leagues Forum – the 40+ member association of professional leagues worldwide – has reiterated its disappointment with FIFA over its exclusion from discussions on calendar and player workload concerning the international match calendar.
The leagues body said that the implications for the leagues that “provide the foundations for the game”, were being ignored by FIFA’s lack of consultation with key stakeholders. The WLF issued a statement following its Annual Meeting in Warsaw, Poland, on Friday.
“Board members reiterated their concerns about the lack of transparent governance at international level onmatters that have an impact on the national competitions that provide the foundations for the game,” said the statement.
“The WLF will continue to seek a meaningful role in the FIFA decision-making process for the International Match Calendar before any calendar changes are agreed.”
While the WLF feels excluded by FIFA it is very much part of the movement to improve player working conditions and workloads with global players’ union Fifpro.
As part of the Global Labor Agreement signed last year by the two organizations under the umbrella of the International Labor Organization, three new committees have been established:
- Standing Committee on Health and Fair-Play Pitch Management
- Committee on Combatting Discriminatory Incidents in Football Matches
- Committee on Workplace Security
“The Committees will be composed of both league and player union experts to examine each of the topics and make recommendations on future developments,” said the WLF.
On other issues that directly impact the leagues, the WLF also said it had launched a study group to analyse the landscape and consequences of multi-club ownership.
Reiterating its support for the development of women’s club football, the confirmed a second Women’s League Annual Meeting in San Diego, USA, hosted by the NWSL at their final match on November 12.
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