Football stakeholders from across Africa have renewed calls for enhanced player welfare, stronger labour protections and greater collaboration in football governance during the FIFPRO Africa General Assembly held in Nairobi.
The assembly brought together player union representatives, football administrators and industry stakeholders from across the continent to deliberate on improving the working conditions and welfare of professional footballers.
Speaking during the opening session, FIFPRO Africa Division President Jeremy Ziddane said the players’ body had made significant strides over the past year in strengthening representation and advancing the rights of footballers across Africa.
“Today, we can be proud of the path taken by our division. Despite many challenges, we have made great progress in terms of representation and improving the living conditions of footballers across the continent,” said Ziddane.
He noted that FIFPRO Africa continues to ensure that players remain at the centre of discussions shaping the future of football, adding that collective action had strengthened the organisation’s influence in football governance.
“We remain determined to fight every day for players. We fight for fair working conditions, respect, health, security, proper contracts, equal opportunities and a voice in decisions that shape the profession,” he said.
Ziddane observed that many footballers across the continent still face injustices, poor working conditions and exclusion, stressing that improving the welfare of players was fundamental to the sustainability and credibility of the sport.
He called for stronger partnerships among football stakeholders, including federations, leagues, clubs, broadcasters, researchers and civil society organisations, saying collaborative engagement was essential in addressing challenges facing the game.
“No union, no country and no player can face the challenges of modern football alone. When we are united, we are stronger in negotiations and better placed to defend the dignity of every footballer,” he said.
The FIFPRO Africa president further noted that cooperation among African player unions and international football bodies had expanded opportunities for improved governance, research, education and long-term professional support for footballers.
He said the assembly was sending a clear message that Africa remained united and committed to building a fairer, stronger and more professional football environment for current and future generations of players.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to working closely with player representatives to improve the welfare and professional development of footballers in Kenya.
Welcoming delegates to Nairobi, Mohammed described players as the most important stakeholders in football, noting that every aspect of the sport derives value from their talent and dedication.
“Football begins and ends with players. Every fan fills a stadium because of the player on the pitch. Every sponsor, broadcaster and administrator derives value from the talent and dedication of the player,” he said.
He emphasised the need to create environments that enable players to thrive both during and after their playing careers.
Mohammed highlighted the importance of capacity building, citing his involvement in establishing the Super 8 League two decades ago, where programmes were introduced to equip players with financial literacy and governance skills alongside football development.
“We realised early on that beyond football, we needed to build the capacity of players to understand financial literacy and governance so that they can also contribute to football administration and management after their playing careers,” he said.
The FKF president noted that football governance extends beyond organising competitions and should encompass player welfare, education, safeguarding, health, mental well-being and career transition.
“Strong football ecosystems are built when federations, clubs, leagues and players’ representatives work together in good faith,” he said.
Mohammed disclosed that FKF and the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) had been engaging on frameworks to strengthen cooperation for the benefit of Kenyan footballers.
“Discussions around a framework for collaboration are progressing positively. We remain committed to ensuring that any future arrangement follows the appropriate legal and governance processes,” he said.
He stressed the importance of establishing durable structures capable of serving both current and future generations of players.
The FKF president also underscored the need for comprehensive social protection mechanisms for footballers, including insurance cover, healthcare and retirement planning.
“One of the key dreams I have for Kenyan footballers is ensuring they are protected not only during their playing years but also after retirement. We must ensure they have access to insurance schemes and financial institutions that can support them when their careers come to an end,” he said.
According to Mohammed, dignified livelihoods for players should remain a central objective of football development efforts across the continent.
He commended FIFPRO Africa for championing player welfare and promoting the interests of footballers across Africa, while encouraging delegates to use the assembly to develop practical solutions for the challenges facing players.
“As we deliberate over the next two days, we must remember that without the footballer, there is no football. Everything else revolves around the player,” he said.
The two-day assembly is expected to discuss strategies for strengthening player representation, improving labour standards, enhancing social protections and promoting sustainable football governance across Africa.
by Nyawira Githinji and Achieng Nicole
