FifPro slams Infantino for excluding player union from welfare meeting
- FifPro was not invited to a significant meeting about player health conducted by Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
- The meeting also included representatives from national unions not affiliated with FifPro, raising questions about representation.
- FifPro's exclusion has sparked considerable criticism, highlighting the necessity for Fifa to adopt an inclusive policy concerning player welfare.
On July 12, 2025, Fifa held a meeting addressing key issues concerning player health, but notably, the world's primary player union, FifPro, was not invited. Fifa President Gianni Infantino orchestrated the meeting, which even included national union officials from organizations expelled from FifPro. This exclusion raises concerns given that FifPro represents around 65,000 professional players globally, highlighting a significant oversight by Fifa amid ongoing discussions regarding player welfare. Twenty-four hours prior, controversy had already surrounded the recent Club World Cup; attributed to being played in extremely hot conditions, it had contributed to increased strain on players and has led to legal actions by FifPro against Fifa regarding its unconsultative approach to tournament organization. Concerns included the imposition of the Club World Cup amidst a congested calendar, with calls for more consideration of player health during match scheduling. Infantino's handling of football affairs has drawn sharp criticism as he is perceived to prioritize commercial interests over player welfare, with backlash from significant stakeholders in the international football community. Moreover, FifPro's general secretary, Alex Phillips, expressed some satisfaction regarding Fifa's responsiveness to player welfare issues during the tournament, but argued that proactive measures should have been taken ahead of time. FifPro's condemnation of Infantino goes beyond mere exclusion from meetings; they challenge his authority, labeling him as ‘the man who thinks he’s god.’ They stress the need for a more inclusive approach to decision-making in football, representing the voices and rights of the players who are integral to the sport's success. In light of this critical feedback, FifPro has urged Fifa to reassess its handling of player welfare, especially with the upcoming World Cup on the horizon. The psychological and physical toll on players due to a crowded schedule and lack of dialogue must be acknowledged to prevent further issues in future tournaments.