MFPA Player Zone Magazine #4

Player Zone 2019 Player Zone 2019
Today, Bosman finds himself unemployed with very few resources. He
depends completely on allowances given to him by FIFPro – the world’s
players union, who unlike most of the football world, did not forget his
huge sacrifice and has stood by him. He continues to actively work in favour
of player rights, alongside FIFPro, a union that was coincidentally born on
another faithful 15th December. Adding a symbolic connection, to a very
real relationship between the freedom fighter and the organisation that
has been fighting these battles on behalf of players every day for over 50
years. In Malta too, FIFPro works tirelessly to bring about change via MFPA.
Even Bosman himself has advocated against the Parameters, remnants of
a system that had ended his career and the career of countless Maltese
athletes.
The name ‘Bosman’ became part of football lexicon overnight. It is cited
in cases all around the world and has caused huge overhauls to football
regulations the world over. But perhaps many forget that behind the ruling,
there is a man that paid a huge price, to become the most important
freedom fighter in football. The least we can do is know who he is and be
grateful.
TWICE THE TRAINING CAMPS
This past summer MFPA upped its
game when it organised not one but two
training camps.
The first, was the annual training camp
for out of contract players. Building on
past years’ experience and sterling
reputation, this year’s training camp
garnered more interest, brought better
attendance and successfully managed
to result in lucrative deals for most of
the players in attendance. Under the
guidance of coach Paul Zammit and
goalkeepers’ coach Reuben Debono,
players trained trice a week for four
weeks in June and July. Four friendly
matches were played against very good
premier league sides. MFPA XI lost 3-1
against Balzan FC, won 2-0 against
Hibernians FC, won 1-0 against Valletta
FC and drew 0-0 against Gzira United.
12 Bosman the Freedom Fighter