LONDON: FIFA has hailed a “constructive dialogue” with players from the Premier League and Women’s Super League on the issue of player welfare.
.
President Gianni Infantino was joined for the discussion in Manchester by FIFA football development chief Arsene Wenger and – remotely – by FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Jill Ellis.
.
The meeting arose in the context of the ongoing debate about the international match calendar and FIFA’s push to stage the World Cup every two years.
.
Infantino said afterwards: “FIFA is listening to everybody. We were happy to have the opportunity to speak to, and hear from, players in an open and frank way. It was a fascinating discussion and a chance for FIFA to explain directly how we are thinking in ways to protect the players and the quality of international football.
.
“We took note of the valuable opinions and we’re sure this will lead to more constructive exchanges. This is what we wanted from the beginning of this process, to facilitate an open platform where everyone’s view can be brought to the table.
.
“It is important that players all over the world are involved in ongoing discussions about the future of the game. We have a real opportunity to change. We thank the PFA and FIFPRO for their collaboration involving players from across the English game. We look forward to continued dialogue around the world.”
.
PFA chief executive Maheta Molango said: “If those who play the game are to have meaningful input into decisions about its future, then this kind of dialogue is absolutely critical.“
.
FIFPRO’s new president David Aganzo said: “It is positive to see that an open dialogue is taking place and being promoted.”