The EU social partners in the professional football sector have signed their Autonomous Agreement on Minimum Requirements Standard Players Contracts, this Thursday in Brussels.
This agreement was negotiated by FIFPro (the worldwide representative of all professional football players); EPFL (European Professional Football Leagues), ECA (European Club Association) – and UEFA, the governing body of European football. The Agreement is accompanied by a joint letter where all organisations commit themselves to implement the agreement.
The agreement is a significant achievement for the EU social dialogue in the professional football sector. It is a first step in offering minimum social standards as to the form of players’ contracts and is expected to be implemented in the EU, but also beyond the EU 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 was 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, and Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou, responsible for sport.
The European 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.
Philippe Piat, president of FIFPro Division Europe: ‘It took more time than we could imagine. But the main thing is that we did it. This is good for the game, for the clubs and of course, it is also good for the players. This agreement will see to it that their rights will be better protected.’
Michel Platini, UEFA president added: ‘Today is a great day for all. I am pleased to come and sign.’
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: ‘In football there are players who earn a lot of money, like Ronaldo, Messi, Ribéry. But there are also many players in Europe who are facing difficulties. I thank the football family for finding solutions to these problems.’
