Immediate Release in Asia

Asian Players' Union moves to protect rights of professional footballers

The new Asian division of FIFPRO, the international players' association has made a significant foray into protecting professional footballers’ employment rights in Asia after successfully negotiating the release and repatriation of two African footballers who had been held in custody in Indonesia over contractual disputes with their former clubs. Traditionally strong in Australia and Japan, FIFPRO is now mentoring young players’ associations in India, Malaysia and Indonesia and discussing start-ups with players in China and South Korea.

Football Dynamics Asia assisted the formation of FIFPRO’s Indonesian-affiliate alongside its Asian Forum on Sports Innovation held last year in Jakarta. This year FDA assisted the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) to successfully identify and procure professional indemnity insurance required for the official FIFA registration of Indonesian-based players’ agents.

FIFA recently reminded its 208 member associations to ensure observance of the minimum requirements for professional footballers' contracts, which cover the most important and basic rights and obligations of players and clubs. Its Circular 1171, a highlight of the world football body’s seven-year global collaboration with FIFPRO, goes hand in hand with the establishment of National Dispute Resolution Chambers. Indonesia was reportedly selected as a FIFA pilot country for the Chamber due to the numerous disputes between players and clubs.

Arranges players’ release from Indonesian custody and repatriation

Michael Cockerill confirmed in the Sydney Morning Herald that Cameroonian players Noah Ndjee Bakena and Serge Ngakou Elongo were detained in Java and Bali after overstaying their visas while they fought for payouts from their respective clubs, Persik Bogor and Persib Surabaya. Bakena was detained for two months before being released on November 28, while Elongo was detained for three months and released last week.

“In both cases FIFPRO Asia had to pay the legal fees and fines to secure their freedom and paid for their airfares back to Cameroon. In the case of Bakena, his former club has been ordered to pay US$30,000 in damages by FIFA, but Persik Bogor officials have yet to comply. Elongo's case has also been referred to FIFA's disputes resolution chamber,” Cockerill advised. According to the report, both players had their contracts terminated at short notice earlier this year and were not offered compensation.

Watch Asian champions Gamba Osaka against Europe’s Manchester United in FIFA Club World Cup on Thursday

The International Stadium in Yokohama is set to host an intriguing clash between Africa’s Al Ahly and Asia’s Adelaide United on Thursday, the pair due to battle it out for fifth place at the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008. Adelaide began the tournament with a win over Oceania champions Waitakere United before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Gamba Osaka. The Egyptian heavyweights, meanwhile, let slip a 2-0 half-time lead against Mexico’s Pachuca, eventually going down 4-2 after extra time and missing out on a coveted semi-final spot.

CWC Match 6: Thursday 18 December, Adelaide United V Al Ahly. Broadcast live on Star Sports at 19.25PM AEDT

Asian champions Gamba Osaka are set to go head-to-head with European counterparts Manchester United in the following game in Yokohama in the eagerly anticipated second semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008. Local heroes Gamba edged out Adelaide United 1-0 in the quarter-finals to set up a dream clash against Cristiano Ronaldo and Co as ManU sets out to become the first British club to win this tournament..

CWC 2^nd Semi-Final: Thursday 18 December, Gamba Osaka V Manchester United. Broadcast live on Star Sports at 22.25PM AEDT

A-League games on Australia Network’s Asian TV this weekend

Friday 19 December: A-league Round 16: Wellington Phoenix v Central Coast Mariners. Broadcast on Australia Network at 21.00PM AEDT

Sunday 21 December: A-league Round 16: Sydney FC v Perth Glory. Broadcast on Australia Network at 18.00PM AEDT

Please note. Due to different time zones, I've listed broadcast times as Australian Eastern Daylight-saving Time (AEDT).

Enjoy the football!