ČAFH

The Czech Association of Football Players (the ČAFH) is an association which represents both amateur and professional football players active in the Czech Republic and protects their interests. It is a member of FIFPro, the world-wide association of football players. History The establishment of a Czech players’ association was motivated by the requirement of FIFA regulations to establish in each member country an independent representative organisation. Lawyer Markéta Vochoska Haindlová presented the idea to the then Chairman of what used to be the Czech-Moravian Football Union, Ivan Hašek. The idea was supported by players with previous experience with football unions abroad, including Karel Poborský, Vladimír Šmicer, Horst Siegl, and Pavel Horváth. The ČAFH was founded in spring 2011 with the support of the then Minister of Education Josef Dobeš. Karel Poborský was appointed its Chairman, Markéta Vochoska Haindlová became its Vice-Chairwoman, and Pavel Nedvěd its ambassador. In autumn 2011, the ČAFH joined the worldwide players’ association FIFPro, thus becoming the only players’ association in the Czech Republic to hold this prestigious position. As of June 30, 2013, its then Chairman Karel Poborský announced his resignation motivated by the lack of time to devote to the organization, serving simultaneously on the Board of Directors of the SK Dynamo České Budějovice football club. He was succeeded by his Vice-Chairwoman Markéta Vochoska Haindlová. Other members of the Executive Board changed throughout the years. Presently, it consists of the Chairwoman Markéta Vochoska Haindlová, Honorary Chairman Vladimír Šmicer, former professional player David Střihavka, goalkeeper of FK Teplice Jakub Diviš, and Antonín Fantiš. Pavel Hašek, the ČAFH’s sport director, also actively participates in the activities of the association. He collaborates with active players and the ČAFH’s ambassadors Jan Štohanzl and Antonín Fantiš.