PFA Scotland Chief Executive, Fraser Wishart, believes that Tuesday’s announcement from FIFPRO and the European Leagues is integral to protecting football as a product.
Speaking for the first time since his introduction to FIFPRO’s global board, Wishart believes that the legal claim against FIFA is one of many developments that aim to promote player welfare.
“I am really honoured at being voted onto FIFPRO’s global board. It’s been a busy summer, particularly in strengthening our support for PFA Scotland members. We need to think of the wider game and my role helps support that strategy.
The legal claim has been something that has been on the agenda for a while. The trigger point was probably the introduction of the expanded Club World Cup next summer but all over the globe the schedule is become more taxing for players, and it can’t continue.”
Fraser highlights how almost all competitions across world football have been expanded and that the workload on professionals cannot continue to increase.
“The guys at the top level are not getting a break. Seasons are starting earlier and it affects everyone across the board. The more international competitions you have, the more pressure there is and there is a greater squeeze on the domestic game.”
Recent research from FIFPRO shows exactly how gruelling schedules are for some players, with James Tavernier and John McGinn both ranking in the top 10 for club appearances and total appearance, respectively, across the 2023/24 season.
“There have been things discussed like Champions League games on a Saturday, that can not happen” says Wishart, “Some countries are considering scrapping cup competitions. We want to protect our game in Scotland, protect the league and cups and make sure that fans are still getting a proper product that they are paying for.”
PFA Scotland surveyed lower league players earlier in 2024 and found that 92% of players want a winter break in the season. Coincidentally, the SPFL have announced that there will be no winter break for any leagues this coming season.
“Players are now starting the season in early July now because of the League Cup. That means pre-season starts in June and for a lot of part-time players that means for 11 months of a year they can not take a break. They can not enjoy a holiday with their families. We want to challenge this.”
As we approach the start of the new league campaign, PFA Scotland promotes player welfare as an absolute priority. Strengthening our focus on mental health and wellbeing as well as providing legal support for members all year round, Wishart believes that PFA Scotland are now in a fantastic position to meet the needs of all members.
“We are the players union. Everything we do is for the players and we are the only organisation that will look out for their interest, solely. Football is different that many other walks of life and we need to ensure that we protect the rights of individuals and the collective in Scotland.”
You can learn more about the work of the union online or get in touch with our Player Relations Officer, Craig Beattie, if you want to discuss membership in more detail.
