South Africa is absent as FIFA launches the Consultation Forum to bolster player welfare

Over the weekend, Fifa officially launched the Professional Players Consultation Forum (PPCF) in a landmark move aimed at elevating player welfare in football.

Convened in Rabat, Morocco, the forum marks a significant step towards addressing the pressing needs of players worldwide, including those in Africa.

Representatives from 30 countries met to discuss critical issues relating to player welfare, with notable attendance from African nations such as Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Morocco, Namibia, and Uganda. However, South Africa was absent. The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) did not respond to requests for comment on the event.

Typically, SAFPU garners attention when Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s national women’s team, takes a stand on pay discrepancies. Nevertheless, this time, with the spotlight on international player rights, South African players had no representation in Morocco.

The forum also featured prominent former players such as George Weah of Liberia, Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos, and Khalilou Fadiga of Senegal, underscoring the importance of sharing experiences between former and current players.

Central to the forum’s agenda was the introduction of the Fifa Fund for Professional Players. Fifa has advanced $20 million to support players grappling with financial hardships — an issue that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the sport.

The forum also considered several key player welfare initiatives, including:

• At least 72 hours of rest between matches

• A 21-day rest period between seasons

• One mandatory rest day per week

• Consideration of long-haul travel and climate conditions

Moreover, player union representatives will now possess a voice within various Fifa committees, ensuring players have a direct stake in decisions affecting their futures. This initiative aims to strengthen the development of players’ union activities, with a particular focus on youth and women’s football, signalling a commitment to inclusivity and growth.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino stated: “We remain committed to enhancing player welfare … our door is always open to all views that respect these values.”

His remarks resonate with the overarching goal of cultivating a sustainable, supportive environment for players amid the growing pressures of professional football.

As the demands on players continue to escalate both financially and physically, initiatives such as the PPCF underscore Fifa’s commitment to ensuring that players’ rights and overall well-being remain at the forefront of the sport.