Jul 8, 2022
About Marc
Marc is the national responsible for United Athletes, the only trade union in Belgium that unites athletes. He is a new EUA board member as of 2022.
Q&A
What are you trying to achieve as a Board member of EU Athletes?
“We should know each other better, who’s who, and how we can support each other in the common challenges.”
In your view, what has been the most important achievement of EU Athletes during your time on the Board?
“Since I was just recently elected as board member it’s hard to reflect on my tenure but I’m really impressed with the work accomplished in the recent years.”
What is in your opinion the biggest challenge that player associations are facing in 2022?
“Even with salaries going down and pressure to perform up, it’s becoming harder to convince athletes to join a union. Athletes are under great pressure from management and individuality often takes precedence over the strong together.”
Jul 1, 2022
About Brendon
Brendon Batson is the president of EU Athletes since 2017. As a former professional football player, Brendon is the Chair of Professional Players Federation (PPF).
Q&A
What are you trying to achieve as a Board member of EU Athletes?
“To encourage the growth and development of player associations.”
In your view, what has been the most important achievement of EU Athletes during your time on the Board?
“It is difficult to highlight one particular thing but what I am pleased about is that we now have a strong, diverse and working board addressing a range of issues on behalf of our members.”
What is in your opinion the biggest challenge that player associations are facing in 2022?
“To remain relevant to modern day athletes and to continue to be a strong voice in championing the rights of athletes.”
Jun 24, 2022
About Joachim
Joachim Walltin is the General Secretary of FIFPRO Division Europe. Prior to taking up this role, the former professional football player was the president of Norwegian player association NISO for 10 years. Joachim has been on the EUA board since 2021.
Q&A
What are you trying to achieve as a Board member of EU Athletes?
“I have a slightly different role than most of the other board members, as I am here representing FIFPRO as the GS of Division Europe. I am here to follow up on the cooperation between our respective organisations, which is important to protect the rights of football players and other athletes in Europe. With my background from NISO, the Norwegian multisport union, I am used to working with other sports and I still have a heart for all athletes and my approach is to create mutual benefits from such a collaboration.”
Why do you think cooperation between FIFPRO and EU Athletes is important?
“FIFPRO and EUA have a joint interest in several areas and for me as the General Secretary of FIFPRO Division Europe, it´s important that we build European alliances. I think we should align our work where possible and collaborate with the objective to strengthen both organisations. We have to continue promoting and protecting the athletes as workers and ensure their rights are being recognised and respected.”
In your view, what has been the most important achievement of EU Athletes during your time on the Board?
“I haven’t been too long in the Board, but I must say that what EUA has done together with the speed skaters in the ISU case is a very important job and achievement, which deserves a lot of recognition.”
What is in your opinion the biggest challenge that player associations are facing in 2022?
“From my experience, the player associations face quite different challenges, depending on the domestic conditions and recognition and work with other stakeholders. We see that way too few have managed to conclude Collective Bargaining Agreements and in some countries there is even a lack of Standard Employment Contracts, which should be mandatory to prevent problems and improve the professionalisation in all sports.”
