The social partners representing the professional football sector have recently signed their first Agreement setting minimum contract requirements. The agreement was agreed between FIFPro (Trade Union); EPFL (European Professional Football Leagues), ECA (European Club Association) - and UEFA. It will also be accompanied by a joint letter where all organisations pledge to implement these new commitments.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, László Andor, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion welcomed the agreement saying "This is a significant achievement for EU-level social dialogue in the professional football sector. It is a first step in offering minimum social standards regarding the form of players' contracts - especially young players - and we expect it to come into force across the EU, but also beyond in all 53 UEFA countries".
To ensure that player contracts throughout Europe meet certain minimum standards, contracts must be in writing, they must define the rights and duties of club and player and they must address matters such as salary, health insurance, social security or paid leave. Contracts also must refer to the duty of players to participate in training, to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to comply with disciplinary procedures. Standard contracts will also contain provisions on dispute resolution and applicable law.
The agreement will be signed by Michel Platini (UEFA, President), Frédéric Thiriez (EPFL, President), Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (ECA, President) and Philippe Piat (FIFPro Division Europe, President) and their respective General Secretaries in the presence of László Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion and responsible for social dialogue at EU level. Commissioner Vassiliou, responsible for sport, will also attend the signing ceremony.
The Commission supports the European social dialogue in the professional football sector and will assist EU social partners in the monitoring and implementation of the Autonomous Agreement.
