Spanish Players' Union AFE breaks away from FIFPRO to form new global syndicate
The Spanish Footballers' Association has voted to leave international players' union FIFPRO, with plans to establish a rival global organization under David Aganzo's leadership.
The Spanish football landscape is in for a proper shake-up as the country’s players’ union makes a dramatic exit from the global stage to chart its own course in representing footballers’ interests.
Breaking away from the establishment
In a move that’s sent shockwaves through football’s institutional corridors, the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) has officially voted to terminate its membership with FIFPRO, the worldwide representative organization for professional footballers. This wasn’t just a narrow decision either – we’re talking about a whopping 99.8% of votes backing the split during Wednesday’s Extraordinary General Assembly.
The AFE isn’t just walking away though – they’re planning to establish an entirely new global footballers’ union, with the stated aim of “strengthening dialogue with operators in world sport.”
Why the divorce?
AFE’s board, led by David Aganzo (who himself served as FIFPRO president between November 2021 and May 2024), didn’t mince their words about the reasons behind the separation:
- “Absolute lack of transparency” from FIFPRO
- “Non-existent dialogue” with international institutions
- Belief that these failures are actively harming footballers’ interests
It’s a bit like when your mate says they’re leaving the local five-a-side league to start their own – except with massive implications for how professional footballers around the world are represented in negotiations with FIFA, leagues, and other governing bodies.
Membership changes approved
The assembly also approved changes to AFE’s statutes, introducing a new Article 48 that creates a “members or affiliates” category for footballers who have held a federation license in Spain at any point in their career.
Interestingly, the board reserves the right to establish requirements for admission, exclusion or expulsion of these “supporters” – giving them significant control over who gets a seat at the table.
This move represents one of the biggest challenges to FIFPRO’s authority in recent memory and could potentially split player representation at the global level. The football world will be watching closely to see if other national unions follow Spain’s lead or remain loyal to the established structure.