A contract between a professional player and a club may only be terminated upon the expiry of the term of the contract or by mutual agreement.
The contract between a player and a club may be terminated for several reasons. However, the abusive termination of a player’s contract can attract several consequences for the party who orchestrated the abusive termination.
A. Terminating a contract with just cause
A contract may be terminated by either party without consequences of any kind where there is just cause. Any abusive conduct by a party aiming at forcing the counterparty to terminate or change the terms of the contract shall entitle the counterparty to terminate the contract with a just cause in accordance with article 14 of the FIFA statute of October 2020.
B. Terminating a contract with just cause for outstanding salaries
In the case of a club unlawfully failing to pay a player at least two monthly salaries on their due dates, the player will be deemed to have a just cause to terminate his contract, provided that he has put the debtor club in default in writing and has granted a deadline of at least 15 days for the debtor club to fully comply with its financial obligation(s). Alternative provisions in contracts that exist at the time this provision comes into force shall be considered in accordance with article 14 of the FIFA statute of October 2020.
For any salaries of a player which are not due on a monthly basis, the pro-rata value corresponding to two months shall be considered. Delayed payment of an amount that is equal to at least two months shall also be deemed a just cause for the player to terminate his contract, subject to complying with the notice of termination.
Collective bargaining agreements validly negotiated by employers’ and employees’ representatives at the domestic level in accordance with national law may deviate from the above positions. This is because the terms of a collective bargaining agreement shall prevail.
C. Terminating a contract with sporting just cause
In accordance with article 15 of the FIFA statute of October 2020, an established professional who has, in the course of the season, appeared in fewer than ten percent of the official matches in which his club has been involved may terminate his contract prematurely on the ground of sporting just cause. Due consideration shall be given to the player’s circumstances in the appraisal of such cases.