Key Takeaways:
- UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier reaffirmed their unified stance on protecting player health last week in Tirana
- The presidents highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in managing player workloads and sustaining the European football ecosystem
- An updated Memorandum of Understanding in 2024 reinforced the influence of players in football governance and set the groundwork for ongoing cooperation
Leaders Reaffirm Shared Goals During Tirana Summit
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier met in Tirana last week, during the UEFA Executive Committee gathering, to confirm their mutual dedication towards safeguarding the health of football players and promoting a viable future for European football. The meeting emphasised the necessity for forward-thinking, cooperative decision-making aimed at creating a secure and integrated competitive environment for players.
🤝 Together with @FIFPRO Europe, we reaffirm our shared commitment to:
⚽ Protecting player health
♻️ Shaping a sustainable future for European football, with national team football as a pillar of its identity, unity and development— UEFA (@UEFA) September 15, 2025
Balancing National and Club Football in a Unified Pyramid
Both leaders stressed that international competitions remain essential to the structure of European football, not only as a source of inspiration and unity, but also as a vital foundation that financially supports grassroots and development initiatives. Representing one’s nation was recognised as a lifelong dream for players, while national tournaments continue to foster pride and celebration across borders. The enduring success of both club and national competitions, they agreed, is crucial to maintaining the health and integrity of the sport.
Addressing Calendar Pressures and Player Welfare
With increasing demands on footballers due to fixture congestion, Čeferin and Terrier acknowledged the urgent need for UEFA, national associations, leagues, clubs, and player unions to collaborate on new guidelines that guarantee the health and well-being of players. These efforts are intended to uphold the values and benefits of the European football pyramid, ensuring a sustainable environment for all participants.
2024 Memorandum of Understanding and Next Steps
This collaborative spirit is grounded in the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding, which solidified the role of players in the governance of the game and laid the foundations for continued structured dialogue, including through the EU Social Dialogue Committee. This platform brings together all major stakeholders at the European level to address pressing issues in the sport.
| Key Stakeholders | Primary Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| UEFA | Governing European football, ensuring competitions and player welfare |
| FIFPRO Europe | Representing and advocating for players’ rights and health |
| National Associations | Developing grassroots football and supporting national teams |
| Leagues & Clubs | Managing club competitions, supporting player environments |
| Players’ Unions | Protecting players’ welfare and interests |
Statements from UEFA and FIFPRO Europe Presidents
“Our cooperation with FIFPRO Europe reflects the shared responsibility to protect the health of players and to reinforce the foundations of the game,” said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.
“National team matches remain a pillar of European identity and unity. As demands on players grow, it is more important than ever to work together – with national associations, leagues, clubs, and players – to find balanced solutions for the future of the sport,” Čeferin added.
“We all recognise that the calendar has reached a critical point,” noted FIFPRO Europe President David Terrier.
“We have a collective responsibility to act. In Europe, we are fortunate to have the tools and partners – including clubs, leagues, and national associations – to build protocols that protect player welfare and ensure that both national and club-level football continues to inspire, unite, and grow,” he added.
