FENAPAF returns to FIFPRO as Special Observer
Brazilian players’ union FENAPAF has rejoined FIFPRO as a Special Observer, restoring formal links between Brazil’s player representation structure and the global union body.
Brazil’s Federação Nacional dos Atletas Profissionais de Futebol (FENAPAF) has rejoined FIFPRO as a Special Observer, giving Brazil a renewed seat in the global player union framework at a moment of heightened scrutiny around who represents players internationally.The organisations announced the agreement in Rio de Janeiro on May 6, setting out a structured engagement model that keeps FENAPAF connected while aligning with FIFPRO’s principles and standards.FENAPAF said it represents player unions across 17 states in Brazil and covers around 10,000 professional footballers in Brazil and overseas, positioning Brazil as a material constituency inside international labour and welfare discussions.FIFPRO president Sergio Marchi described the step as strategically important for the wider union movement and pointed to the need for clarity on international representation as the landscape evolves.“This is a positive development for players in Brazil and for the global union movement. Brazil is a key country in world football and ensuring that its players are connected to a strong, representative and internationally recognized structure is important. "This is a step towards working within a global framework that is built on legitimacy, representation and shared principles. In a context where the landscape of player representation is evolving, maintaining unity and clarity around how players are represented at international level is critical to protecting their interests effectively."The announcement was made with Marchi present alongside FIFPRO board members Fernando Revilla and Joaquim Evangelista, and FENAPAF president Jorge Henrique Pereira Borçato and other FENAPAF representatives.FIFPRO positioned the Special Observer status as a mechanism to deepen cooperation while providing a defined pathway for participation, which can matter for coordination on policy, welfare standards, legal support, and regional engagement via FIFPRO South America.The decision also lands amid growing debate around governance, legitimacy and mandates across the player representation ecosystem, with competing initiatives seeking influence in global discussions with rights holders and governing bodies.Borçato said the move was intended to reconnect Brazilian players into the international structure and strengthen a united approach to representation.“Rejoining FIFPRO represents a significant moment for professional footballers in Brazil. We believe in the value of a strong, united and global voice for players, and FIFPRO plays that role in representing and defending their interests worldwide. This partnership allows us to reconnect players in Brazil within that international structure and enables them to again contribute to its future.”FIFPRO said FENAPAF will participate under the Special Observer framework, with engagement expected to run through its divisional structures as both sides progress implementation of the new relationship.