Having looked on as Napoli fined their players and Coach for refusing to attend a training retreat earlier this month – as explained here – FIFPro have condemned the actions of the Italian club and spoken out against their approach.
“Napoli’s intention to withhold player salaries is without valid grounds and is being contested collectively,” read a statement from the international body. “FIFPro believes that the ad-hoc decision of Napoli forbidding players to go home and re-join their families, following the match against RB Salzburg, was unjustified.
“Like every other employee, professional football players have the right to ensure that their private life is respected, especially considering the already congested fixture list which sees many players away from home for prolonged periods.
“The grounds on which Napoli seeks the application of fines, for the players’ refusal to follow the unreasonable instructions of Napoli, contradict provisions in Italy’s collective bargaining agreement.
“We echo the sentiments of FIFPro member, Associazione Italiana Calciatori, in that Carlo Ancelotti and his technical staff are ultimately responsible for managing the playing group however they deem fit.
“Technical matters are not the responsibility of club directors and we support Ancelotti and the players of Napoli for their united stand in clearly difficult times. FIFPro is standing by ready to assist, in close co-operation with AIC, to ensure the players are not subjected to further abuse and intimidation.”
