Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) is pleased to announce the election of Chief Executive and FIFPro Asia Chairman Brendan Schwab to the Board of FIFPro – the World Players’ Union. Schwab is the first person from Asia and Oceania to join the FIFPro Board, the players’ counterpart to FIFA’s Executive Committee.
Based in Hoofddorp Holland, FIFPro has members in 44 countries throughout the world including England, France, Argentina, Brazil, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain and Japan. As the players’ voice, FIFPro works with FIFA and its confederations to improve the global football industry and through this the employment standards enjoyed by professional footballers.
Speaking from FIFPro’s Headquarters in Hoofddorp Holland, General Secretary Theo van Seggelen commented on the progress achieved in Asia through Schwab’s leadership.
“We are very delighted with the development in Asia and Oceania under Brendan Schwab,” said van Seggelen. “In Australia, Brendan has also shown that he represents the interests of the players excellently. With the experience and expertise of the FIFPro Board and FIFPro staff, Brendan will get full support to develop FIFPro Asia/Oceania.”
“FIFPro is particularly anxious to start working together with China and South Korea, countries that at this moment do not have a players’ union,” continued van Seggelen. “FIFPro Asia will work to have players’ associations functioning in those countries and recognised by FIFPro by the end of 2010.”
Since Schwab became the inaugural chairman of FIFPro Asia/Oceania in 2007, players’ associations have been established in India, Indonesia and Malaysia to join Australia, Japan and New Zealand. He is also preparing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the AFC, the Asian Football Association. On December 16th, a FIFPro delegation will open the dialogue with the AFC, as it visits AFC president Mohamed bin Hammam in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
After his election, Schwab spoke of his commitment to improving both the wellbeing of players and the international competitiveness of football in the region and his native Australia.
“Whilst we have made significant progress in advancing the playing conditions and services available to players in Asia and Oceania, much work remains,” Schwab said. “As Asian football continues to grow, so too must the professionalism and conditions of the players.”
“As Australia takes on an increasing leadership role in Asian and world football, it is also important that we enjoy a seat at football’s most important tables,” Schwab added.
Other key positions determined at the FIFPro General Assembly included the re election of Gerardo Movilla as FIFPro President for a 4 year term and confirmation of Philippe Piat to assist Movilla as FIFPro Vice President.
For further information please follow click here to visit FIFPro’s website.
For further information on FIFPro Asia please follow the links and associated news articles.
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The PFA is the exclusive representative body of Australia’s elite professional footballers including the Socceroos, A-League players, the Matildas, the many Australians playing professionally overseas and the scholars in Australia’s elite academy system such as the Australian Institute of Sport. FIFPro Asia is one of the 4 continental Divisions of FIFPro with members in Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand.
