Francis Awaritefe has been appointed to the board of the worldwide representative organisation of professional footballers, FIFPro.
Awaritefe, a highly respected contributor to the Australian game across three decades, achieved success as a player in the National Soccer League before turning his focus to football administration and governance.
Capped three times by the Socceroos, Awaritefe has served as a member of PFA’s Executive Committee and most recently completed an honours degree in Law at London’s City Law School.
Awaritefe will now represent Australia on FIFPro’s 13-member board, whose President is former French professional Philippe Piat.
“It’s fantastic, it’s something that when the PFA approached me about doing the role, I jumped at it,” said Awaritefe.
“It’s a privilege that they’ve put this trust in me, both the players in terms of the Australian PFA and also my fellow board members in the Asia/Oceania division.
“I’ve always had an international perspective as far as football has gone and obviously my interest in these sorts of issues date back to my involvement in the very early days of the formation of the Australian PFA.”
Awaritefe was awarded PFA Life Membership in 2000 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the game and its players.
During his playing career, Awaritefe acted as a club delegate and was an instrumental contributor to the original equal opportunity code whilst a player.
“For Australian players to have one of their own advocating for players on the global stage is a significant achievement for the PFA and Francis himself,” said PFA CEO John Didulica.
“Within global matters such as football governance and the transfer system, FIFPro is an important player, so to have Francis operating in that sphere is hugely valuable for the players.”
Awaritefe will begin his role at FIFPro in December.
FIFPro is the worldwide representative organisation of professional footballers, its headquarters are based at Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
