Global Football Faces Power Struggle as New Union Rivals FIFPro
A new chapter in global football governance is unfolding following the launch of a rival players’ union, intensifying scrutiny on FIFPro and its relationship with the sport’s governing body, FIFA.
The newly formed International Association of Footballers (AIF), unveiled in Madrid, is spearheaded by David Aganzo, a former striker and current head of Spain’s players’ union. The organisation claims to represent more than 30,000 players worldwide and positions itself as a fresh alternative in the battle to protect footballers’ rights.
Its arrival comes at a tense moment for FIFPro, the long-established global union representing over 60,000 players through national associations. Relations between FIFPro and FIFA have deteriorated in recent years, largely over concerns about player welfare and the expansion of the international football calendar.
The European arm of FIFPro filed a complaint against FIFA in 2024, accusing the governing body of failing to properly consult stakeholders on scheduling decisions. Since then, a public war of words has followed, with FIFA questioning the union’s transparency and calling on it to disclose its statutes and full financial accounts.
In response, FIFPro has made efforts to increase openness, publishing its statutes online. Financial records, filed in the Netherlands where the organisation is registered, reveal a stable and well-funded institution. The union holds a property portfolio valued at more than $50 million and generates significant revenue through image rights agreements with major video game companies.
Despite the emergence of the AIF, FIFPro has dismissed the new body in strong terms, questioning its legitimacy and suggesting it lacks the mandate to represent players globally. The organisation also accused Aganzo of pursuing personal ambitions rather than acting in the broader interests of footballers.
Aganzo, however, insists the AIF is built on a new model focused on direct dialogue and stronger protection of players’ rights. He has indicated that several national unions are already in discussions about joining the initiative, raising the prospect of a potential shift in the balance of power.
The 45-year-old’s involvement adds another layer of intrigue. Once elected president of FIFPro in 2021, he was forced to step down in 2024 following internal disagreements, before cutting ties with the organisation entirely earlier this year. His new venture signals both a personal comeback and a direct challenge to the existing order.
FIFA’s stance on the new development has been measured, reiterating its commitment to engaging with stakeholders that uphold principles of representation. However, the governing body’s past criticism of FIFPro—including accusations of “blackmail” and prioritising public relations battles—highlights the fractured nature of football’s leadership landscape.
At the heart of the issue lies a broader question about who truly represents players in a rapidly evolving sport. FIFPro’s financial strength and established network provide a solid foundation, but the AIF’s emergence introduces uncertainty and the possibility of fragmentation within player representation.
What happens next will depend largely on whether national unions choose to align with the new organisation. Should a significant number shift allegiance, the AIF could quickly gain credibility and influence. For now, though, FIFPro remains the dominant force—albeit one facing increasing pressure from both within and outside the game.
