New Soccer Players' Group AIF Launches as FIFPRO Rival

A new international organization aimed at representing soccer players worldwide launched in Madrid on Thursday, positioning itself as a rival to the established global union FIFPRO amid ongoing tensions in the sport's governance.

The Association of International Footballers, or AIF, was founded by David Aganzo, who serves as its president and leads Spain's players' association, the AFE. Aganzo, who was removed as FIFPRO president in 2024, announced the group's creation at a news conference, stating it would represent nearly 30,000 players, including both men and women. The AIF's governing structure includes members from players' unions in Spain, Brazil, Mexico, and Switzerland. Aganzo emphasized the need for stronger player advocacy, saying, "Soccer players need a stronger voice. They don't have the possibility to make decisions. AIF has been created to fight for them."

The launch comes against a backdrop of strained relations between FIFPRO and FIFA, the sport's world governing body. FIFPRO, based in the Netherlands and recognized by the European Union and international stakeholders, represents more than 60,000 players through 70 national associations. In 2024, FIFPRO's...