Maradona Forms Union

Supported by several leading players, Diego Maradona announced the launch of an international soccer players’ union to promote and safeguard players’ rights.

Maradona met with 14 of the sport’s top players, including Eric Cantona of France, Rai of Brazil, Liberian George Weah and Italian Gianluca Viali.

The Argentine star said the union’s objective was to counterbalance the power of the sport’s governing body, FIFA.

Maradona said the union would be based in Paris, open to all professional players and cooperate with all existing unions.

The players unanimously elected Maradona president of the union.