Football NSW appoints John Tsatsimas as CEO

John Tsatsimas

Football NSW has announced John Tsatsimas as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Tsatsimas is an experienced football administrator who is known for his work as CEO with the Newcastle Jets and most recently Western Sydney Wanderers – before his new upcoming role with Football NSW.

He joins with a wealth of understanding in the NSW and Australian footballing landscape, which solidifies his place as the person to lead Football NSW – especially with the recent release of their Strategic Plan 2023-2026.

Tsatsimas’ passion for football started at an early age with Parramatta City Football Club, before undertaking a range of playing, coaching and administration roles with various associations and NPL NSW clubs.

His tenure at WSW involved being the Foundation General Manager, Chief Operating Officer and CEO. Tsatsimas has also spent time in a consultant role with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), adding to his all-round knowledge of the game.

Tsatsimas expressed his gratitude to lead Football NSW.

“I am incredibly honoured to be appointed CEO and am eager to begin engaging and working collaboratively with the various stakeholders that form part of the wider Football NSW family,” he said in a statement.

“The organisation is guided by an outstanding Board who brings a diverse array of talents and experiences, while sharing a deep love for the game. Just as importantly, they have an aligned vision for where the sport needs to move towards.

“It is vitally important that football in NSW remains aspirational, inclusive for all, and that Football NSW, as a governing body, is constantly progressing.

“I look forward to working closely with the staff, Chair Gilbert Lorquet, and the Football NSW Board to ensure we can make significant progress off the back of some exciting times ahead for the sport.”

Football NSW Chair Gilbert Lorquet was thrilled with the new appointment.

“John is an innovator and a visionary, and I am delighted he will be joining Football NSW as the new CEO,” he said via press release.

“He will add tremendous value as a leader, building on our purpose of facilitating the best experience for all, and delivering on our mission to lead and support the growth of football across all cultures and communities.”

Tsatsimas will commence his new role on Monday, December 5, 2022 – replacing outgoing CEO Stuart Hodge.

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AFC aligns with AIAC for improved football dispute resolution

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), highlighting their dedication to fortifying football law and to providing multiple sports dispute resolution pathways in Asia.

The MoU, signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday, is a three-year agreement which aims to cultivate greater collaboration between the AFC and AIAC.

The agreement is the latest in a long running partnership for the AFC and AIAC. Since 2015, the organisations have cooperated to host seminars, conferences and training programs, focused on educating the public and officials about sports law and dispute resolution.

AFC General Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs, Andrew Mercer, expressed his excitement for the agreement via press release.

“We are delighted to formalise this important collaboration with the AIAC, who share common interests and values to promote academic and practical training in sports specific alternative dispute resolution in Asia,” he said.

AIAC Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Almalena Sharmila Johan, conveyed a similar sentiment.

“As we embark on this partnership, we celebrate the convergence of our expertise, values and dedication to raising the standards of ADR within the sporting community. The ASIAN Sports Arbitration Rules exemplified our commitment to advancing the spirit of justice in the sports industry as a whole, by providing a comprehensive framework for expedient dispute resolution that best preserves fairness and integrity within sports,” she said via press release.

This latest agreement will facilitate the AFC’s and AIAC’s desire to operate a yearly workshop or conference concentrating on sports law.

Both organisations wish to voice a plurality of opinions across Asia to explore conversations about recent sports law trends and developments across the continent and the world.

Additionally, this space would also provide an opportunity to discuss and review best law practices and alternative dispute resolution methods to find new solutions and remedies that will strengthen the future of Asian sports law.

FIFPRO Europe and UEFA sign MoU to enhance players’ influence

UEFA and FIFPRO Europe have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening players’ influence in European football governance.

As part of the agreement signed by both organisations’ leaders in Paris, a FIFPRO Europe representative will join UEFA’s executive committee starting May 2025.

UEFA has also pledged to consult FIFPRO Europe on decisions affecting players’ employment conditions and any competition reforms that could influence players’ workload.

Additionally, active players and player representatives will take part in a new UEFA Professional Players’ Advisory Forum, set to begin meeting next month to discuss solutions for collective challenges facing professional footballers in Europe.

This three-year MOU will grant footballers and their unions more influence over decisions impacting their work, including match calendar adjustments, playing conditions, and health and safety issues.

The agreement also establishes a framework for FIFPRO Europe and UEFA to work together on initiatives to advance women’s football, focusing on fair employment conditions and minimum standards.

The two organisations will also collaborate on medical research, player education, and awareness campaigns addressing doping and discrimination.

Additional collaboration areas include strengthening stakeholder dialogue at both national and European levels, exploring joint commercial opportunities involving player data and intellectual property rights, and offering support to players who are out of contract.

FIFPRO President, David Terrier, was full of positive thoughts regarding this agreement.

“This agreement is a hugely positive milestone for professional players across Europe. With player representation now anchored at UEFA’s highest level, we are securing a stronger voice for players where it matters most,” he said via press release.

“Our ongoing dialogue with UEFA is already yielding positive results, and this MoU will only strengthen our ability to shape a framework that will advance player welfare and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for football, where the needs and rights of players shall always be at the forefront, both on and off the pitch.”

UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin, is confident their relationship with FIFPRO will support the growth of football for all.

“This partnership represents a new era in our relationship with FIFPRO Europe. Players are at the heart of football, and their perspectives must shape the decisions taken,” he said via press release.

“By inviting them to join the UEFA Executive Committee, we are creating a more inclusive future for the game, one in which the topic of player welfare will be at the forefront. This is about making tangible strides to ensure football continues to grow for everyone.”

You can view the MOU here.

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