FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber

PFA Chief Executive, Brendan Schwab has been appointed to the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) after being nominated by the PFA and FIFPro, the World Players’ Union.
 
Brendan, who is also the Chairman of FIFPro Asia, will serve a four-year term from 2009 – 2013 beginning in September of this year.
He is one of two DRC player representatives from Asia. The other member is Japanese PFA lawyer, Takuya Yamazaki. Takuya is also a member of the FIFPro Asia Legal Committee.

The FIFA Executive Committee appointed the members of the DRC for the next four-year cycle at its meeting on 31 May, 2009.

“It is an honour to represent not only Australian but also Asian players on the DRC and as there are many disputes emanating from our continent, I will be involved in protecting the rights of players in accordance with the regulations and the jurisprudence of the DRC,” said Brendan.

Constituted in accordance with the FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players, the body’s objective is to provide both players and clubs with a forum, which will ensure the swift and just resolution of disputes.

All meetings of the DRC, which is to adjudicate upon contractual disputes involving clubs and players that have an international dimension and for issues relating to Training Compensation and the Solidarity Mechanism, are held at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. Proceedings before the DRC are free of charge.

The DRC comprises 24 members from 20 different nations from around the world appointed on the basis of recommendations from FIFPro member associations and the FIFA Confederations.

Half the members represent the interests of the players and the other half are appointed to represent the interests of clubs. The independent chairman of the DRC is Slim Aloulou from Tunisia.

The PFA has always been represented on the DRC. Brendan served on the inaugural DRC back in 2002, whilst former PFA boss, John Didulica was a member from 2005 to 2008.