World Players Executive Director Walter Palmer conducted a comprehensive regional tour across Argentina, Chile, and Peru to reinforce relationships with member organizations and expand dialogue with athletes across multiple sports in Latin America. He was joined throughout the visit by Camila García, Managing Director.
The visits centered on direct engagement with athletes, player associations, and sports institutions—listening to their experiences, understanding regional challenges, and exploring collaborative pathways to strengthen collective representation and labor protections throughout the region.
Argentina: Building on Football Leadership and Regional Vision
In Argentina, Palmer met with Sergio Marchi, President of Agremiados (the Argentine footballers' union) and President of FIFPRO, a member organization of World Players. Discussions focused on Agremiados' work on behalf of professional footballers and Marchi's strategic vision for addressing regional and international challenges facing players. The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining strong connections between global player representation structures and national associations working on the ground.
Chile: Multi-Sport Dialogue and Institutional Engagement
Palmer and García visited SIFUP's complex in Pirque, meeting with leadership of Chile's professional footballers' union. WPA also engaged with ANJUF (Sindicato de Jugadoras de Fútbol Femenino), the National Union of Women Football Players, and met with professional basketball players, reflecting WPA's cross-sport mandate.
Discussions with public authorities included meetings with Chilean Labor Director Sergio Santibáñez and Undersecretary of Sports Álvaro Ipinza to explore sports unionization, player labor rights, and the importance of aligning national frameworks with international labor principles, including guidelines established by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Peru: Emerging Partnerships and Olympic Infrastructure
In Peru, Palmer and García met with SAFAP leadership, including General Manager Fernando Revilla and his team, to discuss opportunities for enhanced collaboration. The visit included meetings with the Peruvian Sports Institute (Instituto Peruano del Deporte), where they toured facilities that will host the 2027 Pan American Games. WPA also engaged with Club Regatas Lima and athletes who represent Peru in international competition, sharing experiences of athlete organizing in collective and individual sports.
Listening to Athletes Drives Meaningful Reform
Throughout the regional visit, a consistent principle guided all conversations: meaningful reform in sport must begin by listening to athletes. Understanding their needs, working conditions, and barriers is essential to building fairer, more sustainable systems.
WPA remains committed to supporting athletes throughout Latin America through strategic guidance, international advocacy, and the strengthening of collective bargaining capacity—ensuring that athlete voices remain at the center of sports governance reform across the region.
Photo gallery
