WHETHER IT’S A PRINTER, REPORTER, BLOGGER OR SENIOR CITIZEN THAT LEADS AN ASSOCIATION, IT’S NOT THE MATTER, WHAT MATTERS THE MOST PEOPLE MUST GET THE JOB DONE. TO PFAM I WILL SUGGEST TO FOLLOW THE FOOT STEPS OF PFA, THE WORLD’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION. PFAM SHOULD HAVE A OPEN MIND ABOUT LEARNING, BUT IF EMPLOYED STAFF AND MEMBERS ARE ARROGANT THEN I AM SURE YOU WILL FACE THE WRATH OF THE PLAYERS AND MEDIA.

CASE STUDY

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) was formed on 2nd December 1907 and is the world’s longest established professional sportsperson’s union. The aims of the PFA are to protect, improve and negotiate the conditions, rights and status of all professional players by collective bargaining agreements.

The PFA has successfully achieved its aims since its formation and has continued to grow in respect and stature through a number of notable successes throughout its history. These successes, some of which have been achieved through the law courts of the land, have included in 1961 the maximum wage being abolished and in 1963 the retain and transfer system was ruled by the High Court to be contrary to the law of the land and subsequent negotiations with the Football League established a procedure to permit a player to join another club at the end of his contract. Clubs were only able to hold the registration of a player providing the terms offered were not less favourable than those in the previous contract. In 1978 a player’s right to move at the end of his contract was fully recognised with a more efficient procedure being established. An Appeals Committee with an independent chairman was set up to consider disputes arising from the question of a compensation (transfer) fee and the PFA is represented on this committee. Also, in 1978 the PFNC was established with equal representation of the PFA and the Football League under an independent chairman to meet on a regular basis and under this

committee all matters affecting the game and players are discussed and no changes to a player’s conditions may be made without PFA agreement. This committee was renamed in 1992 to the PFNCC (Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee) to include the Football Association and the newly formed Premier League.

The PFA has been successful throughout its history in the challenges it has faced due to the strength of support from its members and there have been examples of this in recent times when the role of the PFA has been fully appreciated by its members who supported it in disputes with the Premier League, the Football League and the Football Association with regard to the PFA’s entitlement to a percentage of television revenue. In particular, in 2001 members were balloted with regard to strike action with a union record 92% return and 99% of those returned supported the union and industrial action if necessary. This show of support and strength for the Association enabled a satisfactory agreement to be reached and strike action was averted.

The PFA is a key member of the International Players’ Association, FIFPro, and was instrumental in the changes to the international transfer system following the Bosman ruling and negotiates with FIFA and the European Commission. We are also key members of the Professional Players’ Federation (PPF), a body of major sporting players’ associations.

The PFA is a key figure in all aspects of the professional game which affects its members and has added to its reputation on the principle of caring for the interests of the game as a whole, in addition to the interests of its members. We have also been successful in initiating a unique Community Programme and anti-racism campaigns as well as working with the Football League, the Premier League, the Football Association and the Football Foundation on charity and community initiatives.

The experience and expertise the PFA has gained since its formation ensures it is able to provide the best advice, representation and assistance in all aspects of a player’s career and beyond. 

The PFA manages four main funds:

This fund provides financial assistance for any member or dependant past or present who is facing financial hardship. There is also death benefit payable to the next of kin of any member in the event of his death whilst under contract, up to a maximum of £1million.

This fund provides monies to ensure that all Premier League and Football League contracted players are covered under the PFA’s Accident and Sickness Insurance Scheme in the event that they suffer a specific injury or illness which results in their permanent total disability to play professional football. This fund also pays a subsidy to both the Premier League and the Football League to ensure that every player has private medical insurance and immediate access to the best possible treatment. This fund also provides financial assistance to former members towards medical expenses and free places at Lilleshall Rehabilitation Centre.

Education Fund

This fund provides grants for training and qualifications for players once their careers are over. It also provides funding for the apprentice programme in both the Premier League and the Football League; the Premier League/PFA Community Fund and the Football League Trust with regard to community initiatives as well as our own dedicated Community Liaison Department; anti-racism programmes and the Sporting Chance Clinic which provides education, assessment and rehabilitation with regard to addiction issues.

This is the commercial arm of the PFA looking after the commercial interests of the Association and individual members with 20 business partners providing numerous services including exclusive car deals to financial and legal advice. The Commercial Department also sources player appearances and deals with the Press Association which provides employment for over 120 former members. The PFA Player Management Agency provides an unparalleled individual player representation service using the expertise of our 10 qualified FIFA licensed agents.

Givemefootball.com provides details of the different departments within the PFA which are available to current and former members and shows that the PFA is able to offer advice, guidance and representation on many matters including contractual issues; disciplinary issues; advice on Premier League, Football League, Football Association and FIFA regulations; legal and financial advice; education and vocational training; community; equity; coaching qualifications; commercial opportunities; physical and addictive assessment and rehabilitation facilities; insurance with regard to permanent total disablement from professional football.

The PFA is involved in every aspect of the professional game and www.givemefootball.com, the PFA’s official website, provides greater details and up-to-date information on the current activities of the Association.

PFA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Gordon Taylor OBE – Chief Executive
Chris Powell -Chairman (Leicester City)
Scott McGleish(Wycombe Wanderers)
Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Gary Neville(Manchester United)
Darren Moore(Barnsley)
Colin Murdoc( Accrington Stanley)
Ben Sedgemore(Kings Lynn,Conference North)
Moritz Volz(Ipswich Town)
Clarke Carlisle(Burnley)
Chris Hope(Rushden & Diamonds)
Steve Guinan(Hereford United)
Phil Neville(Everton)