Compilation of decisions of the Committee on Freedom of Association

Right of workers and employers, without distinction whatsoever, to establish and to join organizations3

Distinctions based on occupational category

Professional footballers

1. The status of the professional football players as workers is undeniable. It follows that they must be covered by Conventions Nos. 87 and 98 and, hence, that they must enjoy the right to associate in defence of their interests, even if, given the specific characteristics of their work, the football players have deemed it appropriate to form a civil organization rather than a trade union. This fact does nothing to diminish the status of that civil organization as an organization representing football workers.