Prague, Czechia – 13 November 2026 - The World Leagues Association (WLA) concluded its 10th Annual Meeting in Prague, Czechia, hosted by the Czech League Football Association (LFA). The meeting brought together more than 100 representatives of professional football leagues and stakeholders for the largest gathering in its history.
A new chapter in WLA’s governance
Luigi De Siervo, CEO of Lega Serie A (ITA), was elected Chair of the World Leagues Association for the upcoming four years, succeeding Richard Masters, Chief Executive of the Premier League (ENG), whose term had come to an end.
Richard Masters will remain Vice-Chair of the WLA alongside Vice-Chair Don Garber, Commissioner of Major League Soccer (USA).
For the new four-year cycle the Supervisory Board was expanded from 12 to 14 member leagues. New elected members include Junya Higuchi, Corporate Executive Officer, J. League (JPN), Katia Koxenoglou, Deputy-President, Super League Greece (GRE), and Marcin Animucki, President, Ekstraklasa (POL).
The Supervisory Boad now includes the following 14 leagues: Major League Soccer (USA), Liga MX (MEX), LigaPro (ECU), Premier League (ENG), Ligue de Football Professionnel (FRA), LaLiga (ESP), Lega Serie A (ITA), Bundesliga (GER), Saudi Pro League (KSA), Qatar Stars League (QAT), Egyptian Pro League (EGY), J.League (JPN), Super League Greece (GRE), Ekstraklasa (POL).
Addressing the key challenges facing professional football
During the Annual Meeting, the leagues reviewed international football developments of the past year and specifically the FIFA Council’s announcement of a review of FIFA’s governance. The leagues reiterated that this review must translate into concrete action, with national leagues formally involved in the decisions that shape the future of the game.
It was also agreed to establish a Social Dialogue Committee within the association. This Committee will address issues arising from the new transfer system framework and coordinate the World Leagues Association’s engagement within the new FIFA’s Global Social Dialogue Platform.
In addition, the development of women's professional football was a key item on the agenda, with contributions from the Women’s Leagues Forum and the European Women’s Leagues Platform.
Strengthening cooperation
Alongside the general meeting, two days of working sessions included a workshop addressing the latest developments in the Laws of the Game and a dedicated business development session explored opportunities for league cooperation. Continental meetings for representatives of leagues from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas were also staged to discuss regional priorities and identify synergies.
Above all, as the World Leagues Association marked its’ 10th anniversary, the meeting underlined the importance of a strong collective voice for professional leagues worldwide for the benefit of the game at all levels.
Luigi de Siervo, New Chair of the World Leagues Association, said:
“I am honoured to have been elected Chair of the World Leagues Association at such an important moment. Over the past ten years, the WLA has steadily grown, bringing together 51 leagues from across all continents. It reflects the importance of cooperation and of giving national leagues a stronger voice in the governance of world football.
I would like to thank Richard Masters for his leadership and contribution to the Association. Looking ahead, I am committed to building on this solid foundation, strengthening cooperation and ensuring that the interests of professional leagues are fully recognised in the decisions shaping the future of football.”
Tomáš Bárta, CEO of the Czech League Football Association, said:
“It has been a great honour for the Czech League Football Association to host the World Leagues Association's Annual Meeting in Prague, particularly in this special year marking the Association's 10th anniversary. Welcoming representatives from professional leagues across the world has been an opportunity to exchange experiences, strengthen relationships and contributes to the development of our league. We are delighted to have been central to this important milestone.”
About the World Leagues Association
Founded in 2016, the World Leagues Association is the global association of professional football leagues. Representing 51 national professional leagues across all continents, the WLA provides a platform for cooperation, knowledge-sharing and the collective representation of leagues. It works to strengthen the role of national leagues in football governance and to promote the sustainable development of professional football worldwide.
