PFA Official Press Statement Regarding X-Pro

In the light of various statements in the media, the PFA has decided to clarify its position with regard to an organisation purporting to represent former footballers.

The PFA neither supports nor endorses the organisation X-Pro and feels no need for any affiliation as the welfare of our former members is and always has been one of our highest priorities.

Indeed, over the last five years alone we have spent in excess of £80 million across our Benevolent, Accident and Education funds.

This money has been spent paying for operations such as hip and knee replacements and even heart by-pass surgery. Financial hardship grants totalling £1.7 million have been paid out to former members and £4.3 million has been paid out to members incurring career ending injuries.

Our Education Fund has invested £58million including the funding of vocational training available to all of our members both current and former.

The non-contributory Cash Benefit Scheme has paid out over £93 million providing a tax-free lump sum to members at the end of their playing careers.

As the welfare of former players of all generations is integral to our existence we must point out that at no time have we agreed to pass this responsibility on to X-Pro or anyone else.

Whilst we certainly agree that individual club’s former player associations do a tremendous job, the PFA is and will remain the first point of contact for all professional players. We are happy to work closely with such associations for the best interests of players.

Since 1907 the PFA has been immensely proud of the service we provide for our current membership of around 4,000 and the estimated 50,000 former members. It is our continued intention to look after all former professional footballers to the best of our abilities.