FIFA invited some representatives from the FPFA, PFF (Edwin Gastanes), PFL, and PFL clubs (Ernie Nierras and Jeff David) to attend the FIFA NDRC workshop in Kuala Lumpur on December 5 and 6.
Pedro Iriondo and Marco Amezcua of FIFA explained in detail what an NDRC is all about so we can implement it in the Philippines in the near future.
Arbitration can reflect the reality of football at the national level, and FIFA will help and guide us every step of the way to ensure that we do it right in the Philippines. We are grateful that Philippine football has been given this opportunity as we continue to professionalize the sport and ensure that both clubs and players are equally represented.
To give everyone an idea of how an NDRC works, here are some FAQs to guide you.
What is an NDRC? NDRC stands for National Dispute Resolution Chamber. An NDRC is an independent arbitration tribunal established by a member association that offers players and clubs an efficient way to resolve employment-related disputes, and FIFA wants to support the national implementation of NDRCs worldwide. NDRCs are established on the principle of equal representation of clubs (employers) and players (employees). An NDRC is comprised of a chair and deputy chair, between three (3) and ten (10) club representatives, and between three (3) and ten (10) player representatives.
What types of disputes can an NDRC resolve? NDRCs have the competence to handle disputes between clubs and players, often regarding
employment and contractual stability,
training compensation, and
solidarity contributions between clubs belonging to the same association.
For example: Player A is contracted to Club X for the 2016/2015 league, and Club X does not pay Player A their wages as stated in their contract.
NDRC Standard Regulations were approved by the FIFA Executive Committee in October 2007. What are some benefits for national football?
NDRCs will be "closer" to the origins of disputes and will be able to resolve them within the local/domestic context.
Clubs and players will be equally represented at the NDRC.
The general public and the media are, in general, excluded.
Sports arbitration bodies are more familiar with the subject matter than regular courts of law and take into account the special nature of football (litigations judged by specialists).
The NDRC will exercise and respect fundamental procedural rights, in particular the right to equal treatment and the right to be heard (cf. circular 1010).
As a result of these fundamental rights being respected and adhered to, it is anticipated that NDRCs will be:
Independent: Matters are resolved independent of any MA interference (e.g., political motivations), and credibility is maintained through the appointment of appropriate NDRC members, including the chair and deputy, who are well informed regarding relevant disputes.
Fair: The objective of the NDRC will be to resolve disputes in a just and fair manner based on objective principles and criteria. Decisions that are not respected may be enforced by initiating disciplinary proceedings.
Efficient and affordable: Matters taken up by the NDRC are, in principle, free of charge and adhere to the time limits outlined in NDRC regulations in the interest of efficient resolution.
Localized: The NDRC enables stakeholders to weigh in on the decision, which is made by a local NDRC member who understands the environment.
Comments