www.pfascotland.co.uk


FIFProAGREE TO CHANGES IN THE INTERNATIONAL MATCH CALENDAR


A new international match calendar was approved in principle last month at a meeting held at the home of FIFA. FIFPro (the World Players Union) was represented at the discussions in order to defend the interests of players, and is delighted by the results. Tijs Tummers (of FIFPro’s Technical Committee) commented “The football associations wanted to keep as many dates as possible, the leagues wanted as few “league match free” weekends as possible, and the clubs wanted to retain their players as much as possible. FIFPro sat in the middle of this debate; we have always fought for a healthy balance between club and national team football, which takes account of the amount of matches for the players and the pressure that comes


along with it.”


One of the most important decisions was the agreement to replace the current seven double dates and five single friendly internationals with nine double dates for a two year cycle (2014-2016 and 2016-2018). Furthermore the two internationals during a double


date have to be played within one confederation. Tummers concluded “we are pleased that we have been able to reduce the pressure on players, whilst at the same time maintaining all opportunities for players to play for club and country. This plan is a clear improvement for all parties.”


KEEP YOUR MEMBERSHIP UP TO DATE


Recent events at some of our top clubs have shown that disputes often affect the entire dressing room. In recent months we have advised and represented our members on collective issues such as administration, non/late payment of salaries and disputes over bonuses.


Fortunately at the clubs involved our membership numbers are strong and the dressing rooms have good leaders within the senior players. These events only emphasise the importance of being a member of PFA Scotland. Membership covers individual disputes, collective issues with the club and governing bodies and also shows solidarity with players at other clubs. With membership at an all-time high PFA Scotland has been successful in various collective disputes ensuring that our members are still in employment and paid their salaries.


Football is going through a very tough period economically with money at almost every club tight. When looking to cut costs it is always the players that are affected in terms of contracts, wages not being paid, attempt to reduce salaries and in a growing number of cases medical expenses not being taken care of. We are seeing more players being pressured into leaving their club and ripping up their contracts if they are no longer part of the manager’s long term plans. Contracts must be respected by all parties; it is simply not good enough for a contract signed in good faith not to be honoured. In these circumstances the union remains strong in ensuring that our members’ rights are protected; it is therefore vitally important to keep your membership up to date.


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