Footballers go into action. They have formed a board of captains

Top-division footballers are preparing to defend and promote their interests. They have decided to set up their own players’ association. There have been several similar attempts over the past more than ten years, but now it seems this step could receive the general support of the vast majority of players active in the top league.

Representatives – captains or players appointed by them – from all twelve teams have already met for joint talks and agreed on the importance of such a professional organisation, which would become a partner to both the clubs and the Slovak Football Association. In a statement adopted by the team representatives, it is said that the new organisation should become “the united voice of the player community.” It should provide services for its members, especially in resolving contractual and other disputes related to sporting activity. It should also offer a helping hand to players who are currently without a valid contract.

Based on the first meetings, the Council of Captains has already been established to represent the players until the association is founded. The initiative came from the most experienced footballers playing in the Slovak league. Seven of them have been entrusted by the council to prepare and set up the association – Róbert Vittek, Ján Mucha, Viktor Pečovský, Jozef Piaček, Ľubomír Michalík, Michal Gašparík and Marek Sapara. Several of them have experience with similar organisations abroad. The long-term goal remains for the new association to become a member of FIFPRO, the international players’ association in which Slovakia currently has no representation.

Active players’ organisation is missing, sports lawyer confirms
The initiators of the association also consulted their steps with lawyer Jozef Tokos, who in his practice deals with sports-related issues and problems.

Does Slovak football need such an organisation?
I think the time has come. There is a lack of an organisation that would defend the interests of footballers in various ways. The Union of League Clubs needs a strong partner. The new Sports Act also envisages social dialogue, a partnership between the representatives of clubs and players.

Such associations have been set up in the past, but did not succeed in practice…
There can be several similar organisations in the country; the important thing is their credibility, influence, and how they function in practice. I helped set up a similar one twelve years ago, when an initiative came from a group of experienced players led by Ľubomír Luhový. The process was identical and the only correct one. Team leaders must come together, and the players must be convinced it is the right thing to do. So far, no one from Slovakia has become a full member of the international organisation FIFPRO, which is an influential body worldwide and a strong partner of FIFA and UEFA. This should be one of the tasks of the new association.

Will it be more successful than its predecessors? What are its chances?
The guarantee lies in the names in the preparatory committee – they are team leaders and have the support of their teammates. The rest will depend on the players themselves. There are plenty of problems in football, most often non-payment of wages, which leads to other negative situations contrary to Slovak regulations and international practice. I believe the situation will gradually improve, as since March a new registration and transfer order has been in force, and FIFA also issued an addition to the international regulations this year, setting stricter rules. However, positive matters, various player activities, are also important.

Which ones are you referring to?
This is about partnership and cooperation with other entities active in football. A positive aspect is commenting on new regulations, caring for players who do not have contracts, expressing opinions on various questions and topics. It is therefore not just about defending against something or fighting negative practices – both sides must be balanced. The association must also be a positive, active voice towards the Slovak Football Association and the Union of League Clubs.