Footballers have been "warned not to sign for Serbian clubs in the January transfer window due to what the world players' union FIFPro described as worsening working conditions in the country," according to Brian Homewood of REUTERS. FIFPro said that, in addition to existing problems over late payment of wages, players faced "even less chance of receiving fair treatment" after changes to the arbitration panel which rules on disputes between them and the clubs. FIFPro said that the Serbian FA (FSS) had "dismissed arbitrators chosen by the local players' union Nezavisnost and replaced them with officials linked to the biggest clubs." FIFPro added that the players "also had to pay increased fees to lodge a complaint." FIFPro General Secretary Theo van Seggelen said, "This is a flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of the professional football players in Serbia who are now effectively playing in a lawless environment." FIFPro said that the move "flouted FIFA regulations," which recommend that such panels, usually known as the National Dispute Resolution Chamber, "should be made up equally of arbitrators chosen by the clubs and players." Nezavisnost President Mirko Poledica said, "When you sign a contract with a club in Serbia you have a 50 percent chance of ending up in court" (REUTERS, 1/4).
LIGA MX UNION NEEDED: ESPN.com's Tom Marshall reported Mexico and Liga MX side Atlas captain Rafa Marquez "stressed" on Tuesday that Liga MX players "must come together to improve their bargaining power with club owners and the Mexican federation." The 37-year-old has reportedly been "setting up a new and independent players' union and didn't shy away from highlighting the problems players face in the Liga MX at present, such as teams like Chiapas not paying wages on time." Marquez: "What has happened in other teams in Mexico keeps happening. [The owners] treat [the players] however they want and some [players stay silent to] try to keep their jobs and not make things worse" (ESPN.com, 1/3).
