The inaugural FIFPro Division Asia Mini-Congress 2007 proved to be a resounding success for both FIFPro and the PFA. Attended by representatives from seven leading football nations in the region, the Mini-Congress projected the goals and objectives of FIFPro, the worldwide governing body for players’ associations as well as the experiences with player’s associations from the viewpoint of a football association.
The Vice-President of FIFPro, Gerardo Movilla, was extremely impressed with the interest from the participating countries intending to provide a collective platform for professional players.
There are professional leagues in many Asian nations but most do not have an organised association for one of the game’s most important stakeholders, the players. The Mini-Congress was aimed at raising awareness amongst these football associations that providing a voice for the players would be beneficial to the game.
Amongst the highlights were presentations by the Chief Executive of the FFA, Ben Buckley, whose topic was on the relationship between the FFA and the PFA and one by Mick McGuire, the Deputy Chief Executive of the oldest players’ association in the world, the English PFA on the activities of his organisation.
Senior Secretary General of the new established FIFPro Division Asia, Frederique Winia, was also impressed by the presentation of the Indian Players Association, which was established just last year. It is really good to see that so much progress was made by the Indian Players and that they are now represented in an organisation who can defend their rights.
Prior to its conclusion, the Mini-Congress approved a Joint-Action Plan to promote the establishment of Players’ Associations or Committees in South Korea, Singapore and Indonesia as well as the strengthening of ties between football administrators throughout the region and FIFPro.
FIFPro Asia Chairman, Brendan Schwab was also full of praise stating, “the Mini-Congress was well-received by all parties concerned. All delegates were very pleased with the organisation and professionalism as well as our renowned Australian hospitality. We now have a platform for building the players’ voice in Asia, and contributing to the professionalism and international competitiveness of Asia in world football.”
Held at a prominent hotel in Sydney from the 20 – 21 of October, the Mini-Congress was organised by the PFA in conjunction with FIFPro, which is based in the Netherlands and is the governing body for 42 players’ association throughout the world including Australia
