On the occasion of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifier between Indonesia and Australia, APPI – the Indonesian Professional Footballers’ Association – has been welcomed to the ranks of FIFPro Asia at an official launch in Jakarta.
INDONESIAN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS’ ASSOCIATION (APPI) IS SOUTH EAST ASIA’S FIRST PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATON
JAKARTA, 29 JANUARY, 2009. Indonesia today became the first country in the region to officially establish a professional footballers’ association following the launch of AsosiasiPemainSepakbolaProfesional Indonesia or APPI.
This is a historic step for the country and the continent’s most popular sport. With the Indonesian Super League being South East Asia’s most lucrative domestic professional football competition it is timely that the local and foreign players are represented by their own independent association, similar to the situation in Europe, South America and Asian powerhouses, Japan and Australia.
APPI, which has been registered as an association under Indonesian law is affiliated to FIFPro, the international federation of professional footballers’ associations, which currently represents 57,000 professional footballers from around the world and its international links will ensure that APPI develops into a respectable organisation administered by and for the players.
APPI is recognised by the Indonesian League Board (BLI) following the execution of a MoU between FIFPro Asia, FIFPro’s continental Division and the BLI on 12 September, 2008. The official launch of APPI was held in Jakarta in conjunction with the Indonesia vs. Australia 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifier to enable the Socceroos to be represented at the launch by Craig Moore and Eugene Galekovic as a show of solidarity with their Indonesian colleagues.
According to APPI president, VennardHutabarat, the key message of the launch was to highlight the fact that players are an important stakeholder of the game and players’ associations should be seen as an important partner of both the federation and league in developing and organising the domestic competition in a professional manner.
“The most successful football nations in the world, such as Italy, Brazil, England and Spain have strong players’ associations and these associations have positively contributed to the wellbeing of not only the players but of the game,” said Brendan Schwab, the Chairman of FIFPro Asia and the Chief Executive of the Australian PFA, Asia’s oldest players’ association.
The launch was attended by officials from the Indonesian FA (PSSI), BLI, members of the Indonesian national side, foreign professionals playing in the Indonesian Super League and members of the local and foreign media.
STATEMENT BY FIFPro ASIA ON THE LAUNCH OF THE
INDONESIAN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS’ ASSOCIATION (“APPI”)
Jakarta, Thursday 29 January 2009
On behalf of FIFPro Division Asia/Oceania, it gives me great pleasure to be in Jakarta on the occasion of the official launch of AsosiasiPemainSepakbolaProfesional Indonesia (“APPI”).
FIFPro is the world players’ union. Officially recognised by FIFA, FIFPro consists of 43 players’ associations throughout the world who, collectively, represent 57,000 professional footballers. In November, APPI was officially welcomed as FIFPro’s latest member. FIFA’s official recognition of FIFPro is set out in the historic Memorandum of Understanding of November 2006 signed by FIFA President Blatter and former FIFPro President Piat in the Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona. Under the MOU, FIFA commits to a global partnership with the players to ensure the highest standards of professionalism, a fair transfer system, enforceable player contracts and a sport free from the scourges of racism, corruption and doping.
FIFPro Asia is one of 4 continental divisions of FIFPro, together with Europe, the Americas and Africa. FIFPro Asia is committed to partnering the Asian Football Confederation and the football authorities of Asia to advance not only the rights of players, but also the professionalism and international competitiveness of Asian football. FIFPro Asia now enjoys strong representation in Australia, Japan, India, Malaysia, New Zealand and, as confirmed by today’s announcement, Indonesia. Discussions are also underway with the football authorities and players of China and South Korea.
APPI’s development since its establishment in May 2008 has been impressive. Under the leadership of President VennardHutabarat and Chief Executive Officer AryaAbhiseka, APPI has begun the hard work of resolving the many difficulties players face in the pursuit of what is often a short term and precarious career. The problems in Indonesia are serious. Player contracts are too commonly not honoured, transfer disputes threaten careers, players are vulnerable when injured and agents too often put their own interests above those of their clients. Fortunately and with the support of the PSSI, the BadanLiga Indonesia (“BLI”) realises that these problems can’t be ignored. Under the leadership of CEO JokoDriyono, in September 2008 the BLI signed an agreement with FIFPro Asia to work with APPI to advance professional football in Indonesia including the interests of the players.
FIFPro’s experience in Australia shows that, by working for the good of the game, the players can play a vital role in the development of a strong national football industry. In 15 years, the Australian Professional Footballers’ Association (“PFA”) has overcome many of the problems that today face APPI. Through our partnership agreements with Football Federation Australia (“FFA”), the PFA is today involved in all key decisions that affect players and the professional game. We also provide essential support for Australian players to ensure they maximise their time in the game, educate themselves for life after football and leave the game as better people determined and able to make a meaningful contribution back to football and the community. We have no doubt that APPI will leave such a legacy for Indonesian football.
Brendan Schwab
Chairman, FIFPro Asia
Chief Executive, Australian Professional Footballers’ Association
