The Football Players Association of India, hosted the FIFPro Asia Conference in Kolkata. The FIFPro Congress started at a City Hotel here ..
The Federation Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (English – International Federation of Professional Footballers), generally referred to as FIFPro, is the worldwide representative organisation for 65,000 professional footballers.FIFPro, with its global headquarters in Hoofddorp, Netherlands, is made up of 60 national players’ associations.
Members arrived from Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, and other parts of Asia and even Africa, who were invited as a Partner to the Congress, to share their ideas and cooperate on mutual issues.
FI FPro Asia had a Board Meeting followed by a Press Conference here at Kolkata where the Press, TV and Media, interacted with these FIFPro Asia members regarding World Football.
This Press Conference was followed by a symbolic Opening of the new Football Players’ Association of India (FPAI) House, by the FIFPro Asia Chairman Mr. Takuya Yamazaki, a prominent Sports Lawyer and Indian Footballer Renedy Singh, President, FPAI, who cut the ribbons at the main entrance.
Frederique Winia, General Secretary, FIFPro Asia and Mr. Simon Colosimo, Ex Australian
International Football player, were also present amongst others. Mementoes from FIFPro World
and FIFPro Asia were handed over to President Renedy Singh on this auspicious occasion. Mr.
Subrata Dutta, Senior Vice President, All India Football Federation was unable to attend due to
the sad demise of his dear Father. FPAI mourned his passing and expressed sincere condolences
to Mr. Subrata Dutta and his family at the Press Conference. Costa Rican World Cupper Johnny
Agosta was present along with many other players.
India Captain Sunil Chhetri, could not make it as he was busy with sponsor obligations, as
were many others who were hoping to make the trip to Kolkata for the opening. Icon Bhaichung
Bhutia also could not make it, due to prior obligations. Bhutia was instrumental in setting up the
FPAI here in India more than a decade ago.
Amongst many topics discussed the main were the Cooperation Agreement between FIFA and FIFPro, and also the Global Transfer System.
A report on the relations with The Asian Football Confederation(AFC )was also submitted by the FIFPro Asia Chairman.
Stephane Burchkalter, General Secretary, Division Asia, gave FPAI an insight into the Cooperation between the two Divisions. Working Group Reports were also given with regards to Women’s Football, the National Dispute Resolution Chamber, the Z Card with respect to Communications, AFC Competitions and Projects involving the Oceania region.
After the conference all the participants were taken to the Kolkata’s very famous Cricket Stadium Eden Gardens, the River side, St. Paul’s Cathedral and finally the famed Victoria Memorial.
Pratyusha Mukherjee, Journalist, Kolkata
