PFA Scotland Chief Executive, Fraser Wishart, has been elected to the global board of FIFPRO. Officially sworn in at FIFPRO’s annual congress in Indonesia, Wishart is excited about the development of FIFPRO strategic aims and what this could mean for Scottish football and beyond.
“75 unions from across the world were represented at the congress and it was a productive event. There has been a full restructure of the FIFPRO board, with 12 members including myself. I am really honoured to be part of it and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds, it’s an exciting time.”
With important cases at the European Court of Justice having taken place over the past few months, Fraser believes that it is a really crucial time for world football to shape its future.
Touching on one case, involving former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra, Fraser is hopeful that there will be important discussions to come around how the outcome of this case will impact the transfer window worldwide.
“The Lassana Diarra case is an interesting one and one where we are still trying to gain clarity on. One thing that seems clear is that we will need to change the transfer system, which of course involve Scottish football.”
“The outcome of the case has meant that the transfer system can not impede freedom of movement. There can’t be rules where the compensation, or transfer fee, which is totally unknown.”
“We want to reset the transfer system to ensure that union’s as well as leagues, governing bodies and football associations are front and centre in these discussions and we want to find a way where we can fairly distribute money down the football pyramid system.”
Another recent development that may impact PFA Scotland members and players in Scotland, is new research around dementia among footballers.
“Scotland has been a bit ahead of the game when it comes to this research and there is more and more information coming out about how this impacts professionals and ex-professionals.”
“This new research has shown that lifestyle factors are less influential when it comes to developing dementia, putting a greater emphasis on the impact of football and particularly heading the ball. The guidance from the Scottish FA has been good so far but from a union perspective, we want to continue tidying up these regulations and ultimately protecting those who play the game.”
