The PFA are hoping to create official fan pages on Facebook for every player as a way of protecting them against the pitfalls of social media.
The PFA has been made an authority by Facebook and has created a direct relationship with the social networking site to provide a controlled PR & Marketing channel.
This enables individual players to interact with their fans via their official PFA Fan Page through the union, so continuing to improve a fans’ experience on each specific page.
A number of high-profile players have found themselves in trouble with their Clubs after using social networking sites, most notably the likes of Liverpool’s Ryan Babel, Hull’s Jozy Altidore and Sunderland striker Darren Bent.
Now the PFA have stepped in with a plan to create official pages for all professional players.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has become one of the first players to take advantage of the PFA’s partnership with Facebook by using his own individual PFA official fan page.
In doing this, Anelka has been able to grow his fan base by providing a video webcast to his followers as well as promoting his individual sponsors, official website and charity work.
PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor said:
“The PFA are constantly monitoring the way their members are represented in all forms of the media. With Facebook continuing to grow, the union are proud to enable the association to bring players and fans closer together in a monitored environment for each professional.”
