The Asociación de Futbolistas Españoles (AFE) held its 2026 General Ordinary Assembly on May 18, attracting close to 500 footballers to an in-person gathering that underscored the union's unity. All items on the agenda were approved, including a unanimous vote of confidence in the management team led by president David Aganzo and his board of directors.
Members reviewed and ratified the comprehensive activities report for 2025, the annual financial accounts, and the budget for the current year, 2026. This unopposed approval reflects broad satisfaction with the direction AFE has taken under Aganzo's leadership, particularly in advancing players' rights both domestically and abroad.
A central achievement highlighted by Aganzo was the establishment of the International Association of Footballers (AIF). He described it as necessary for the collective of footballers and a turning point in AFE's history that will mark our future for the better. The new international union aims to negotiate with various football organizations and strengthen the voice of players working internationally, where many lack even basic labor protections.
Aganzo expressed gratitude to players from Spain's first and second divisions for their overwhelming trust in AFE to lead negotiations for a new collective agreement. This backing of almost 95% represents a great responsibility and an impetus to continue working with independence and firmness, he stated. This mandate gives the union a powerful platform to pursue better working conditions.
In a key demand for gender equality, AFE reiterated its stance that women players in Liga F must have the same right to vote for their union representative as their male counterparts. Aganzo insisted they should exercise this right with the same procedure as their teammates, according to the Sports Law's additional provision on collective bargaining legitimacy. The union sees this as a critical step toward fair representation in upcoming negotiations.
The Assembly also revisited the ninth-matchday protest by La Liga players against the league's attempt to stage a regular-season match in the United States. Aganzo praised the solidarity shown, calling it a demonstration that without their opinion in decision-making, football cannot grow. The Audiencia Nacional later validated the protest as an act of free expression, reinforcing that defending player dignity cannot be punished.
Following a years-long campaign that began in 2019 with the #QuinielasEnFemenino initiative, AFE celebrated the permanent inclusion of Liga F matches in Spain's popular football pools, La Quiniela. Aganzo noted this will bring more visibility, recognition, and opportunities for women's football. The push culminated in a congressional motion approved in June 2024, marking a legislative victory for the union.
Thanks to AFE's persistence, the Observatory against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport has been reactivated. Aganzo stressed that we cannot remain indifferent to episodes of hate that threaten our football, making the observatory's work a priority to safeguard the sport's integrity and ensure that discriminatory incidents are properly monitored and addressed.
Attendees also received updates on the Centro AFE, the future headquarters of the union. Positive developments are expected soon, symbolizing infrastructure growth to match the organization's expanding role.
In a moving tradition, the Assembly recognized two individuals with the Gold and Diamonds Insignia. Former Spain striker Álvaro Negredo, a product of AFE's football schools and its first international graduate, recounted his journey from a child at the school to a top professional, thanking his coaches. Long-time AFE worker Lourdes Sobrados, after four decades of service, said AFE has been my life, summing up her dedication away from the spotlight.
The AFE Assembly highlighted a period of robust unity and clear objectives, from international expansion to domestic equity. Based on reporting from Marca.