The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO), a body representing 66 international players’ associations worldwide, announced the formation of the Global Player Council, September 30.
The Council is composed of 29 men’s and women’s players selected by their respective players’ unions and FIFPRO because of their “leadership qualities and a strong interest in player issues.” Among other duties, the Council will represent players in decisions on topics such as abuse on social media, international match calendars, personal data usage, and working conditions.
Some members of note to women’s soccer fans are U.S. midfielder Crystal Dunn, English defender Lucy Bronze, Japanese defender Saki Kumagai, French forward Eugénie Le Sommer, and New Zealand defender Ali Riley.
“I want to use my platform, my voice, and my experience to help those who don't have the same opportunity,” Riley said. “I joined the Global Player Council because I want to make a difference.”
The FIFPRO Global Player Council will give another avenue for players all over the world to express their concerns and create meaningful change. International communication and solidarity is paramount in making sure everyone feels included and safe when playing the beautiful game.
The full list of Global Player Council members is as follows:
Kellyn Acosta (Los Angeles FC & USA)
Chinyelu Asher (AIK & Jamaica)
Andre Ayew (Al Sadd & Ghana)
Leon Balogun (QPR & Nigeria)
Sedilame Boseja (Mamelodi Sundowns & Botswana)
Lucy Bronze (FC Barcelona & England)
Giorgio Chiellini (Los Angeles FC & Italy)
Sebastian Coates (Sporting Lisboa & Uruguay)
Rachel Corsie (Aston Villa & Scotland)
Merel van Dongen (Atletico de Madrid & Netherlands)
Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC & USA)
Isabella Echeverri (CF Monterrey & Colombia)
Magdalena Eriksson (Chelsea & Sweden)
Sara Gama (Juventus & Italy)
Pamela Gonzalez (Granada & Uruguay)
Mark-Anthony Kaye (Toronto FC & Canada)
Saki Kumagai (FC Bayern Munich & Japan)
Ajara Nchout (Inter Milan & Cameroon)
Andre Onana (Inter Milan & Cameroon)
Fernanda Pinilla (Club Universidad de Chile & Chile)
Ali Riley (Angel City & New Zealand)
Raquel Rodriguez (Portland Thorns FC & Costa Rica)
Carlos Sanchez (Santa Fe & Colombia)
Eugenie Le Sommer (Olympique Lyonnais & France)
Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais & Argentina)
Morten Thorsby (Union Berlin & Norway)
Arturo Vidal (Flamengo & Chile)
Tameka Yallop (Brann & Australia)
Maya Yoshida (FC Schalke 04 & Japan)