FIFPRO has announced that plans are in motion for the creation of a new global player data management platform to enhance the sports application of the technology.
All 66 member unions backed the proposal, which will see the implementation of a one-stop, data-driven platform that showcases detailed player, club, league, and national team performance.
“Professional players are a highly mobile and often international workforce and therefore require a centralised system to manage and control their personal data,” FIFPRO said on the need for such a tool.
“Therefore, the centralised platform will also help to centralise data collection, data flows, and data networks that are currently fragmented, and overcome barriers that exist between clubs, leagues, and national teams to benefit players and their careers.”
The football player’s association further revealed that advances in data collection technology will give players more power over protecting and managing their data, with an aim to advance their careers onto the next stage.
Entire careers will be easily accessible through the new platform, which can then be utilised to optimise training, coaching and employment, as well as commercial opportunities.
The 2022 men’s FIFA World Cup for example, has managed to capture “eight million data points per player per game” as per FIFPRO, with the upcoming women’s World Cup set to also incorporate the same data collection approach.
“The centralised player data management platform will serve as a catalyst to advance a broader industry dialogue regarding the use of technology and the purpose and context of player data collection and its application,” FIFPRO further commented.
“Common challenges such as data standards, accuracy and labelling of data should be negotiated and agreed to help the industry to unlock the common benefits of technology and innovation.”