Footballers’ union can expect clubs’ resistance to MFA recognition

“Such comments are very worrying in a day and age when social dialogue between employers, unions and regulators is promoted to ensure progress and stability of an enterprise, sector or area of society,” the union said in a press statement.

Carmelo Bartolo, the MFA’s senior vice-president, said that the members of the MFA’s committee told the Malta Football Players Association officials that clubs “went on the warpath” when it emerged that the players’ body had elected to join a local trade union. “The clubs see the union as a threat,” Bartolo said.

The MFPA is asking for recognition by the MFA.

The Federation of Players FIFpro enjoys recognition by football’s world governing body. The GWU said that when a players association or union joins FIFpro, FIFA extends its recognition.

“Most players’ associations in Europe are either a union themselves or are associated to a local trade union. This is promoted also by FIFpro in its guidelines to new player groupings worldwide,” the GWU said.

“It is an isolated case, unfortunately in Malta, that the MFA's key actors – clubs – have such a view of unions in sport. All sportspersons who are economically active through sport are correct in seeking employment and industrial relations support from a union. Such an approach adopted by local Clubs is what actually generates deteriorated relationships between stakeholders,” the union said.

The GWU also said that Maltese football would benefit from the contribution of players supported by a union. “Labour regulation and conditions of employment can be improved to ensure progress and compliance. Such progress and compliance should not cause fear but should instead be a challenge that can be addressed in good faith by all actors.”