Rabat hosts historic FIFA Players forum ahead of Africa Cup of Nations

Just days before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations, Rabat became the centre of global football governance by hosting the inaugural FIFA Professional Players Consultation Forum — a landmark event aimed at reshaping how footballers’ welfare is managed worldwide.

Convened under the leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström, the two-day gathering brought together delegates from 30 players’ unions spanning five continents.

Football icons, including former Liberia president and global legend George Weah, as well as several World Cup winners, attended the event, which coincided with the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Final in Morocco.

The Forum marked the launch of a permanent Advisory Council designed to champion professional players’ rights and strengthen their representation within the sport’s governing structures.

Central to the discussions was player welfare — with new recommendations setting clear standards for workload and rest.

Among the adopted measures were a mandatory 72-hour recovery period between competitive matches, at least 21 days of uninterrupted rest between seasons, one compulsory day off per week, and provisions for intercontinental travel and extreme weather.

“At FIFA, we remain committed to improving the welfare and working conditions of players worldwide by implementing concrete measures to improve football in the future,” said Infantino, reaffirming FIFA’s promise to integrate these guidelines into future international calendars and club practices.

FIFA also unveiled the creation of a $20 million FIFA Professional Players Fund for 2026–2029, aimed at assisting players whose wages remain unpaid due to club insolvencies or financial difficulties.

To further ensure fairness and inclusion, player union representatives will now participate directly in key FIFA committees.

A new support framework for unions will also promote youth development and women’s football, helping them grow sustainably at national levels.

“This translates into the investment of the FIFA Professional Players Fund and other important initiatives agreed upon at this first Forum meeting,” Infantino added.

A FIFA-union task force will also address legal concerns — including contracts, transfers, and disputes — ensuring constant dialogue between players and decision-makers.

Former Ballon d’Or winner George Weah, addressing the forum, urged unity through the sport: “We must appreciate the beautiful game, walk together, sing together, and, if we lose, start again. Let’s forget the insults and build friendships.”

Weah also convened the first in-person meeting of the Players’ Voice Panel (PVP) — a group of 16 prominent figures from both men’s and women’s football committed to combating racism and promoting inclusion.

Racism is a disease, Weah reminded participants, stressing that the pitch must remain a place of respect and solidarity.

Rabat’s selection as host city further highlights Morocco’s growing influence in global sports diplomacy.

By welcoming this historic forum, the Kingdom reinforced its emerging status as a hub for international football dialogue and reform — positioning itself at the heart of the sport’s evolving future.