It is a sad day for SAFP and the FIFPro family. The news has just reached us that Avi Cohen has died as a result of the injuries which he suffered on Monday December 20th in a traffic accident. On behalf of all its members, SAFP would like to offer its condolences to Avi’s family and his colleagues at the Israeli players’ union IFPA during these difficult times.

On Monday 20th December, Avi was hit by a motorist while on his motorcycle. He suffered serious injuries and was immediately taken to hospital where he underwent a five-hour emergency operation and was then kept in an artificial coma in the intensive care department. However, his condition proved critical.  Doctors confirmed his death earlier today.

‘Our thoughts go out to Avi’s family’, said Dr. Lucien W. Valloni, president of SAFP. ‘I last spoke to him on 10th and 11th November during the FIFPro congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.’

‘Avi was a fantastic representative of the Israeli players’ union and of the FIFPro family. He will be sorely missed.’

Avi Cohen was 54 years of age. He achieved fame in his home country as a footballer with clubs including Maccabi Tel Aviv, Liverpool, Glasgow Rangers and the Israeli national team. He had been president of the Israel Football Players’ Association (IFPA) since 2005.