An article by Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Zahier – Professor of Criminal Law at Cairo University
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the most prominent news story worldwide currently revolves around our national football team player and Liverpool FC star, Mohamed Salah, specifically his new three-year contract with the club, extending from 2022 to 2025. This agreement was reached this week, precisely on Friday, July 1st, after lengthy and arduous negotiations between the two parties. Just as millions around the world love the Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah, there was considerable interest in the details of his contract renewal with Liverpool.
It is also true that the focus of the Egyptian, Arab, and international media, as well as football fans, has been particularly on the financial value of the contract, and more precisely, on Salah’s weekly salary, which amounts to three hundred thousand British pounds per week, placing him among the top ten highest-paid players in the world. Many Egyptians even calculated his weekly salary in Egyptian pounds. Here, I find it necessary to emphasize the importance of avoiding this undesirable practice. If we criticize ordinary citizens for doing so, then the media should not stoop to this unhealthy level of scrutiny in our opinion. As one prominent writer stated, “It would be better if we stopped talking about the value of Mohamed Salah’s contract, his daily, weekly, monthly, and annual salary (and converting the amount to Egyptian pounds), and instead studied his negotiation style and how we can benefit from it. Salah negotiated from a position of strength. He knew his strengths well and wasn’t afraid to highlight them. Despite this confidence, he didn’t abandon the principle of compromise and was willing to make concessions in exchange for concessions from Liverpool as well. These are the rules of the game, politically, economically, and sport-wise, in the West.” No one questioned the club’s decision, and no club official came out and said: “The club’s doors are open to anyone, and we don’t revolve around any single player.” (See: Abdullah Abdel Salam, “Mohamed Salah: A Negotiating Challenge!”, Al-Ahram newspaper, “New Horizon” column, Sunday, 4 Dhu al-Hijjah 1443 AH, corresponding to July 3, 2022, Vol. 146, Issue 49517).
In any case, while the weekly salary in football players’ contracts receives the most attention, other clauses remain largely ignored by the general public and the media. Indeed, player contracts have not received the necessary attention from legal scholars in the Arab world. In reality, player contracts include numerous clauses, some financial and most regulating other aspects of the relationship between the club and the player. The financial clauses in football players’ contracts are not limited to the weekly salary; they can also include clauses related to the player’s image rights. Since the English Football Association uses a standard contract template for professional players contracted by Premier League clubs, we believe it is appropriate to shed light on this template, thus contributing to raising awareness of sports law and providing a model for national sports federations in the Arab world to follow.
It is noteworthy that this contract template is very detailed, comprising 32 pages. A careful examination of the structure and organization of the player contract template approved by the English Football Association reveals that it includes several key elements:
– Preamble
– Definitions and Interpretation
– Appointment and Term
– Player’s Duties and Obligations
– Community, Public Relations, and Marketing
– Remuneration and Expenses
– Club’s Obligations
– Injury and Illness
– Permanent Disability
– Disciplinary Procedures
– Termination by the Club
– Termination by the Player
– Grievance Procedures
– Player Representation
– Leave
– Continued Validity of the Agreement
– Confidentiality
– Arbitration
– Football-Specific Provisions
– Independence
– Miscellaneous Provisions
– Privacy Notice
– Jurisdiction and Governing Law
In addition to the main contract clauses, three appendices are attached: Appendix 1 deals with disciplinary procedures, penalties, and grievance procedures. Appendix 2 contains supplementary provisions to the contract and refers to certain information and clauses related to the application of the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Pensions Act 1993. These references, of course, pertain to legislation in force in England. Appendix 3 contains the player’s doping control questionnaire.
To enrich research in the field of sports law in general, and in the area of player status and transfers in particular, we believe it is appropriate to provide researchers with a translation of the player contract template approved by the English Football Association. To my knowledge, this is the first Arabic translation of this model contract. The text of the contract is provided below, and we hope that researchers and those involved in sports administration in the Arab world will find it useful and valuable as a reference tool for developing sports activities in the region.
Standard Football Association Player Contract
FA Copy
League Copy
Club Copy
Player Copy
Player Surname:
Player First Name:
Current Postal Address:
Email Address:
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Nationality:
National Insurance Number:
Club with whom the Player is currently registered:
Club for whom the Player last played (excluding any trial period):
This Agreement is made on the ………………………………… day of ………………………………… (Month and Year) between:
(Name of Club) of ………………………………………….. and registered company number: ………………………..
(hereinafter referred to as the “Club” or the First Party)
and
The Player named above (hereinafter referred to as the “Player”) the Second Party.
The Parties therefore agree as follows:
1. Definitions and Interpretation
1.1 The following words and expressions shall have the following meanings.
“Associated Company” means any holding company or subsidiary company (as defined in section 736 of the Companies Act 1985) of the Club or any holding company of the Club.
“Board of Directors” means the Club’s Board of Directors for the time being or any duly authorised committee of the Board of Directors.
“Club Property” means, in relation to any representation of or image of the Player, any representation connected with the Club’s name, colours, trademarks, logos or other distinctive features (including trademarks and logos relating to the Club and its activities which are registered or exploited by any Associated Company) or which in any way refers to or exploits any of them.
“Club Rules” means the rules or regulations for the time being in force which affect the Player and which are issued by the Club. “Code of Practice” means the code of practice in force from time to time, which is prepared by the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association in conjunction with The Football Association.
“The Football Association Rules” means the rules and regulations of The Football Association in force from time to time, including the rules of FIFA and UEFA, insofar as they relate to or apply to the Player or the Club.
“The Football Association” means The Football Association.
“FIFA” means the Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
“Misconduct” means any serious, persistent or repeated act, omission or conduct by the Player which includes one or more of the following:
(a) Theft or fraud;
(b) Wilful and serious damage to the Club’s property;
(c) Use, possession or dealing in a prohibited substance;
(d) Alcohol-related impairment of the Player’s performance as a player;
(e) Breach of or failure to comply with any term of this Agreement or otherwise;
or any equivalent serious, persistent or repeated act, omission or conduct by the Player which the Board reasonably considers to constitute serious misconduct.
“Season” means the period of twelve months from 1 July in one year to 30 June in the following year.
“Agent” means any person qualified to act as an agent under the regulations governing agents of The Football Association, as amended from time to time.
“International Club” means any organised football club which does not participate in a league competition sanctioned by or otherwise affiliated with The Football Association.
“International Loan Agreement” means a loan agreement entered into between a lending club and a borrowing international club. “Internet” means the worldwide network of computer systems that uses the Internet Protocol (IP) for data transmission, including (but not limited to) the World Wide Web.
“Laws of the Game” means the laws governing the game of football as determined from time to time by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), as set out in the statutes of FIFA.
“League” means the football league to which the Club belongs from time to time.
“League Rules” means the rules or regulations governing the League from time to time.
“Manager” means the Club official responsible for selecting the Club’s first team.
“Media” means all media, whether now existing or hereafter invented, including, but not limited to, any printed or electronic media, broadcast via satellite or cable, and any visual or audio medium, including, but not limited to, the Internet, any television or radio channel enabling access to a website, or any transmission via mobile phone or other telecommunications technology or other media or broadcasting service.
“PFA” means the Professional Footballers’ Association.
“Permanent disability” means either (a) “total and permanent disability” as defined in the League’s personal accident insurance policy or (b) a player’s disability due to or resulting from any injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder) where, in the written opinion of a suitably qualified medical consultant appointed by the Club (“Initial Opinion”) and (if requested in writing either by the Club at any time or by the Player within 21 days of receiving written notice from the Club of termination of this Agreement pursuant to clause 8.1) a further consultant appointed or nominated by the Player (and failing agreement or nomination within 28 days of such request, nominated by the President of the Royal College of Surgeons) (“Further Opinion”), it is unlikely that the Player will be able to play football at the level he would have played but for the disability, for a continuous period of at least 20 months commencing from the date of the commencement of the disability; provided that if the Initial Opinion and the Further Opinion are not in agreement, the Further Opinion of the consultant nominated by the President shall prevail, and otherwise a third opinion (“Third Opinion”) may be obtained from a consultant nominated by the President at the request of either party, which shall be final and binding for the purposes of this definition.
“Player Image” means the Player’s name, surname, reputation, likeness, signature, voice, film, photograph, virtual and electronic representation, goodwill, facsimile and all other attributes of the Player, including his shirt number. “Player Injury” means any injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder), other than those directly resulting from the Player’s breach of his obligations under clause 3.2.1 of this Agreement or any other of his obligations under this Agreement which may amount to misconduct.
“Prohibited Substances” means those substances as defined in the Football Association’s rules.
“Rules” means the laws and regulations of FIFA, UEFA, the Football Association and the League, as well as the Club’s rules and code of conduct.
“Kit” means all versions from time to time of the Club’s official football kit, including shirts, shorts, tracksuits, headwear or any other clothing displaying the Club’s name or official logo.
“UEFA” means the Union of European Football Associations.
“Website” means a site that forms part of the internet and has a specific URL/domain name.
1.2 For the purposes of this Agreement, and unless the context otherwise requires:
1.2.1 A reference to the singular includes the plural, and a reference to one gender includes the other.
1.2.2 References to a person include any company, body or unincorporated association.
1.2.3 References to legislation or rules include any re-enactment or amendment of the original legislation or rule with the same intent.
1.3 The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.
1.4 In the event of any dispute regarding the interpretation of any provision of this Agreement, reference may (where appropriate) be made to the Code of Conduct for clarification, but in the event of any conflict, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail. Notwithstanding the foregoing, wherever a specific reference to the Code of Conduct is made in this Agreement, the relevant terms and conditions shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Agreement as if fully set out herein.
2. Appointment and Term
2.1 The Club appoints the Player as a professional football player, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Rules.
2.2 This Agreement shall remain in force until the date specified in clause 2 of Schedule 2 to this Agreement, subject to any earlier termination in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
3. Player’s Duties and Obligations
3.1 The Player agrees to:
3.1.1 When instructed by an authorized representative of the Club, to:
3.1.1.1 Attend matches in which the Club participates.
3.1.1.2 Participate in any matches in which he is selected to play for the Club.
3.1.1.3 Attend and participate in training sessions at any reasonable location and time in preparation for matches.
3.1.2 Play to the best of his ability and skill at all times.
3.1.3 Except to the extent prevented by injury or illness, maintain a high level of fitness at all times and not engage in any sporting activity or practice that may jeopardize such fitness or impair his mental or physical ability to play or train.
3.1.4 Perform such other duties and participate in such other activities as are consistent with his duties under clauses 3.1.1 to 3.1.3 and as may be reasonably required of the Player.
3.1.5 He has given all necessary authority to release his medical records to the Club and will continue to do so as requested by the Club from time to time during the term of this Agreement. 3-1-6 Comply with and act in accordance with all lawful instructions of any authorized club official.
3-1-7 Play football only for the club or as authorized by the club or as required by the rules.
3-1-8 Observe the rules of the game when playing football.
3-1-9 Comply with the rules, but in the case of club rules, only to the extent that they do not conflict with or seek to amend the express terms of this agreement.
3-1-10 Promptly submit to medical and dental examinations reasonably requested by the club, without charge, and follow any treatment prescribed by the club’s medical or dental consultants or the club’s insurance providers.
3-1-11 Upon termination of this agreement for any reason, the player must return to the club, in good and usable condition, any property (including any vehicle) provided or made available by the club to the player in connection with their employment.
3-2 The Player agrees not to do the following:
3-2-1 Participate in any activity or practice that intentionally renders any insurance policy held by the Club for the benefit of the Player during his playing career, or covering his physical safety (including injury, disability and treatment), void or invalid, or triggers any exclusion of coverage.
3-2-2 While playing or training, wear anything (including jewelry) that could potentially pose a risk to himself or any other person.
3-2-3 Unless otherwise agreed in writing between the Club and the Player prior to signing this Agreement, use as his usual place of residence any location that the Club reasonably considers unsuitable for the Player to perform his duties, except for temporary relocation purposes.
3-2-4 Undertake any other employment, business or professional activity, or engage in any other sport professionally, without the prior written consent of the Club, provided that this does not:
3-2-4-1 Prevent the Player from making any investment in any business, provided that it does not conflict with his obligations under this Agreement.
3-2-4-2 Limit the Player’s rights under clauses 4 and 6-1-8.
3-2-5 Intentionally or recklessly do, write, say or omit anything that is likely to bring the Club or the sport of football into disrepute, or cause the Player or the Club to breach any rules, or cause harm to the Club, its officers, employees or any official at any match. Where circumstances permit, the Player shall give the Club reasonable notice of his intention to make any contributions to the public media in order to allow the Club to make any undertakings on his behalf if it so wishes. 3-2-6 Except in an emergency, no medical treatment may be arranged or undergone without first providing the Club with details of the proposed treatment and the attending doctor/surgeon, and obtaining the Club’s approval, which the Club shall not unreasonably withhold, subject to the provisions of the Code of Conduct.
4. Community, Public Relations and Marketing
4-1 For the purposes of the Club’s promotional, community and public relations activities and (at the Club’s request) for any sponsors or commercial partners of the Club, the League or any major sponsors of the Club, the Player shall attend and participate in such events as the Club may reasonably require, including, but not limited to, media interviews and photo opportunities, as authorized by the Club. The Club shall give reasonable notice to the Player of such requirements, and the Player shall be available for up to six hours per week, approximately half of which will be allocated to the Club’s community and public relations activities. The Club or any other party may not use any image of the Player taken pursuant to this clause 4-1 to imply the Player’s endorsement of any brand or product.
4-2 While providing or performing the services under this Agreement (including when traveling with the Club), the Player shall:
4-2-1 Wear only clothing approved by an authorized Club official.
4-2-2 Not display any badge, logo, trademark, trade name or message on any item of clothing without the written consent of an authorized Club official, provided that nothing in this clause shall prevent the Player from wearing or promoting football boots and goalkeeper gloves of their choice. 4-3 Subject to clause 4-4 and except to the extent of any obligations already undertaken by the Player as of the date of this Agreement or when on international duty with the National Football Association, UEFA or FIFA, the Player shall not (without the Club’s prior written consent) at any time during the term of this Agreement, undertake any activity to promote, endorse, provide marketing, advertising or promotional services or exploit the Player’s image either (a) in connection with any person, product or service whose brand name, product or service is in conflict with or competitive to any of the Club’s branded or football-related products (including apparel) or any product, brand or service of the Club’s principal/major sponsors or sole principal sponsor; or (b) the League.
4-4 The Player agrees that he will not undertake any promotional activities for the Club, either on his own behalf or with or through any third party, nor exploit his image for the Club in any way or in any media, nor grant any third party the right to do so.
4-5 Except as provided in this Agreement or otherwise agreed with the Player, nothing in this Agreement shall prevent the Player from undertaking promotional activities or exploiting his image provided that:
4-5-1 Such promotional activities or exploitation do not conflict with the Player’s obligations under this Agreement; and
4-5-2 The Player gives the Club reasonable prior notice of any intended promotional activities or exploitation. 4-6 The player hereby grants the Club the right to photograph the player individually and as a member of the team, and to use these photographs and the player’s image for the Club’s purposes relating to the promotion of the Club and its activities, the promotion of the league, licensing, manufacturing, advertising, marketing, and promotion of the Club’s branded products and football-related products (including apparel) or services (including such products or services endorsed or produced under license from the Club), and in relation to the league’s licensed products, services, and sponsors, in any manner the Club deems appropriate, provided that:
4-6-1 The use of the player’s image, whether alone or with two (2) or more other players from the Club, shall not exceed the average use of images of first-team players.
4-6-2 The player’s image may not be used to imply any endorsement of a product or brand.
4-6-3 All rights shall cease upon termination of this Agreement, except for the use or sale of any promotional materials or products that have already been produced, are in production, or are required to be produced to fulfill outstanding orders.
4.7 In its dealings with any person authorized by the Club to take photographs of the Player, the Club shall use reasonable efforts to ensure that the copyright in any such photographs is vested in the Club and/or that such photographs may not be used without the Club’s consent and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
4.8 The Player may make a responsible and reasonable response or comment to any media commentary or statement published which is likely to adversely affect the Player’s position or reputation and subject to clause 3.2.5, may make contributions to the general media in a responsible manner.
4.9 In clause 4, where the context permits, the word “Club” includes any affiliate company to the extent that such company directly or indirectly provides facilities or undertakes commercial marketing or public relations activities for the Club, but does not require the consent of any affiliate company when the Club’s consent is required.
4.10 For the purposes of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999, nothing in clause 4 confers any right to enforce any of its terms on the League against the Club or the Player.
4.11 Nothing in clause 4 prevents the Club from entering into any other additional, supplementary or conflicting arrangements with the Player or with all of the Club’s players (including the Player) from time to time relating to advertising, marketing and/or promotional services. Any other arrangements agreed upon on the date of signing this Agreement, and any image rights or similar contract required to be specified in this Agreement under the League Rules, are detailed in Appendix 2, paragraph 13.
5. Remuneration and Expenses
5.1 During the term of this Agreement, the Club shall pay the Player the remuneration and provide the benefits (if any) as set out in Appendix 2.
5.2 The Club shall reimburse the Player for all hotel and other expenses incurred solely in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, provided that the Player has obtained prior authorization from the Club Manager or Secretary and provides the Club with receipts or other proof of such expenses.
5.3 The Club may deduct from any remuneration due to the Player:
5.3.1 Any sums expended or liabilities incurred by the Club on behalf of the Player with the prior agreement of the Player.
5.3.2 Any other sums (but not claims for damages) which can be clearly shown to be properly due from the Player to the Club.
5.4 If, at a disciplinary hearing conducted under Part 1 of Appendix 1 of this Agreement, a fine is imposed on the Player calculated on the basis of the Player’s weekly wage, the fine shall take the form of a deduction from the Player’s weekly wage, such that the amount of the fine will not be payable to the Player. The fine will apply to the monthly payment of the Player’s remuneration due after the date on which the notice of the decision is sent to him (“the payment date”). See clause 5.5 regarding appeals. For the avoidance of doubt, the amount deducted is the full amount of the weekly wage. 5.5 If the appeal period does not end on the payment date, or if an appeal is filed, the reference to the payment date is to the date on which the monthly installment of the salary becomes due after (1) the appeal period has expired without any appeal being filed.
(2) If an appeal is filed, the player will be notified of the outcome of the appeal.
In the event of an appeal, the amount withheld must be the amount specified in the appeal (whichever it may be).
6. Club Obligations
6.1 The Club shall:
6.1.1 Comply with the Rules, all of which (other than the Club Rules) take precedence over the Club Rules.
6.1.2 Provide the Player annually with copies of all Rules that affect the Player and the terms and conditions of any insurance policy relating to the Player that the Player is expected to comply with.
6.1.3 Arrange promptly for medical examinations and provide appropriate dental treatment for the Player at the Club’s expense in connection with any injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder), except where such injury or illness is the result of an activity or conduct by the Player that contravenes clause 3.2.1 of this Agreement, in which case the Club is only obligated to arrange and pay for treatment to the extent that the cost remains covered by the Club’s medical insurance policy or (if the Club does not have such a policy) to the extent that it would be covered by such a policy if one were held under the standard industry terms commonly available in professional football. This obligation, subject to the foregoing, continues with respect to any examinations or treatment necessitated under this Agreement notwithstanding its expiry or subsequent termination until the completion of the necessary examinations and/or prescribed treatment and for a period of eighteen months from the date of expiry or termination of this Agreement. 6-1-4 The club must use all reasonable efforts to ensure that any insurance policy it holds for the benefit of the player continues to provide coverage for any tests or treatments as referred to in clause 3-1-6 until such tests or treatments are completed.
6-1-5 Comply with all legal provisions relating to workplace injuries and any regulations issued thereunder.
6-1-6 Maintain and adhere to a health and safety policy at all times for the safety, well-being, and physical fitness of the player while performing their duties under this agreement.
6-1-7 In any case where the Club is otherwise liable as an employer for any act or omission of the Player in the lawful and proper performance of his duties under this Agreement, the Club shall defend the Player against any threatened or actual legal action arising from such act or omission and indemnify him for any damages. This obligation and indemnity shall continue in respect of any such act or omission throughout the term of this Agreement, regardless of whether its expiry or termination occurred before the threat or commencement of such action.
6-1-8 The Club shall give the Player every opportunity, consistent with his obligations under this Agreement, to pursue any further education or professional training course he wishes to undertake and shall provide positive support to the Player in his learning and training. The Player shall provide the Players’ Further Education and Professional Training Association with details of any courses he has completed.
6-1-9 The Club shall release the Player to fulfill his obligations to the national team representing his national association in accordance with the rules and regulations of FIFA.
6-2 The Club may not, without the Player’s written consent:
6.2.1 Take, use, or permit the use of photographs of the Player for any purpose other than that permitted under clause 4.
6.2.2 Use or disclose the contents of any medical reports or other medical information concerning the Player obtained by the Club except for the purpose of assessing the Player’s health and fitness, obtaining medical and insurance cover, and complying with the Club’s obligations under the Regulations.
7. Injury and Illness
7-1 The Player or his representative must notify the Club of any injury or illness suffered by the Player, and the Club shall keep a record of such injury or illness. 7-2 In the event that the Player is unable to play due to any injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder), the Club shall pay the Player the following compensation during the period of incapacity or the term of this Agreement, whichever is shorter, for the following periods:
7-2-1 In the case of an injury, the Player shall receive his basic salary for the first eighteen months and half of his basic salary for the remaining period of incapacity.
7-2-2 In the case of any other injury or illness, the Player shall receive his basic salary for the first twelve months and half of his basic salary for the remaining period of incapacity.
7-3 In each case specified in clause 7-2, the Club shall pay the Player his basic salary and a proportionate share of any bonuses, if the continuation of such bonuses is stipulated in Schedule 2 or the Club’s bonus policy.
7-4 Payments made by the Club under clause 7-2 shall include statutory sick pay and/or any other government benefits to which the Player is entitled in connection with his illness.
7-5 Nothing in this clause 7 shall diminish or alter the Player’s right to a signing bonus, loyalty bonus, or any other similar payment due to him under this Agreement.
8- Permanent Incapacity
8-1 In the event that:
8-1-1 The Player suffers a permanent incapacity; or
8-1-2 The Player is unable to play due to the same injury or illness (including mental illness or disorder) for a period (consecutive or not) of eighteen months within any consecutive period of twenty months, the Club may give notice to the Player terminating this Agreement. 8.2 The notice period shall be twelve months in the case of disability due to injury to the player and six months in any other case.
8.3 The notice referred to in clause 8.1 may be given at any time after:
8.3.1 The date on which it is determined that the player suffers from total and permanent disability under the terms of the League’s personal accident insurance plan.
8.3.2 The date on which such permanent disability is determined by the initial opinion.
8.3.3 In the case of any disability as referred to in clause 8.1.2, the date on which the period of disability exceeds eighteen months as stated above, and the right to terminate under clause 8.1.2 shall only arise if the disability continues thereafter.
8.4 If, after any notice is given under clause 8.1.1, the permanent disability is not confirmed by the second opinion (if requested) or (as applicable) by the third opinion, then such notice shall lapse and cease to have effect.
8.5 In the event of any termination notice given under clause 8, the Club may, by further notice given during or after the termination notice, terminate this Agreement immediately upon payment to the player of the outstanding amount due to him at the time of such termination and any other sums properly due to him under this Agreement and the value of any other benefits payable or available to the player during the remainder of the termination notice period, provided always that the Club’s obligations under clause 6.1.3 shall continue during the remainder of the said notice period and any other relevant period as provided in this Agreement. 8.6 If the Club makes a payment to the player during any period of incapacity due to illness or injury, and the player’s absence is caused by a third party other than the Club, the player, or another match official, in relation to any damage or injury on or around the playing field or during training or practice, and the player has a right of recourse against that third party, then if the player makes any claim against that third party, the player must, where reasonably practicable, include in that claim a demand for reimbursement of any such payments. In the event of a successful recovery, the amount recovered must be paid to the Club and will be limited to the total amount of wages paid by the Club to the player during the period of incapacity, plus any compensation payable to or recovered by the player in connection with that claim or otherwise relating to loss of earnings under this Agreement, whether by settlement or judgment. Any amounts paid by the Club to the player in such circumstances will constitute a loan from the Club to the player, repayable to the Club to the extent of any successful recovery as described above.
9. Disciplinary Procedures
Except in cases where the Club terminates the player’s contract in accordance with the provisions of Clause 10 of this Agreement (where the procedure outlined therein applies), the Club shall implement the disciplinary procedure set out in Part 1 of the attached Appendix 1 in relation to any breach of or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement or the Rules.
10. Termination by the Club
10.1 The Club may terminate the player’s contract by giving fourteen days’ written notice to the player in the following circumstances:
10.1.1 The player is guilty of misconduct.
10.1.2 The player fails to respond to any final written warning issued under the provisions of Part 1 of the attached Appendix 1.
10.1.3 The player is convicted of any criminal offence punishable by imprisonment for three months or more (not suspended).
10.2 If the Club terminates the player’s contract for any reason under Clause 10.1, the Club shall, within seven days thereafter, notify the player in writing of the full reasons for the action taken.
10.3 The player may send written notice to the Club and the League at any time from the date of termination up to fourteen days after the player receives written notice under Clause 10.2, giving notice of appeal against the Club’s and the League’s decision, which appeal shall be determined in accordance with the procedures set out in the League Rules. 10.4 If the player exercises his right to appeal, the termination of this contract by the club will not take effect until it is determined that the club is entitled to terminate this contract in accordance with clause 10.1. However, if such a determination is made, then clause 10.5.3 applies, whereby the player ceases to receive any benefits or entitlements accruing from the end of the notice period referred to in clause 10.3, and any payment made by the club becomes immediately payable by the player to the club.
10.5 With regard to the suspension pending the hearing and determination of the appeal, the club may suspend the player for a maximum period of six weeks from the date of the termination notice, and if the Board so decides, this suspension shall be without pay, provided that:
10.5.1 The payment due to the player in respect of the fourteen-day notice period under clause 10.1 is paid to the player immediately.
10.5.2 Pending the determination of the appeal, an amount equal to the salary that would otherwise have been due to the player in respect of the unpaid suspension is paid into an escrow account held by the Professional Players’ Association. The Professional Players’ Association will then, after the determination of the appeal, pay the funds (including any interest accrued on the said account) to the player or return them to the club, as per the appeal decision.
10.5.3 All other benefits to which the player is entitled under clauses 6.1.3 and 6.1.4 of this Agreement remain in effect during the appeal process.
10.5.4 During any such suspension, the club shall not be obliged to assign any training or other duties to the player, and it may exclude the player from the club premises, including the training ground. 10.6 Upon termination of this Agreement by the Club, the Club shall immediately terminate the player’s registration.
11. Termination by the Player
11.1 The Player may terminate this Agreement by giving the Club fourteen (14) days’ written notice if the Club:
11.1.1 is in material or continuing breach of the terms and conditions of this Agreement; or
11.1.2 fails to pay any salary, payments or other remuneration due to the Player or to provide any benefits due to him when due or within fourteen (14) days thereafter, and remains in default of such payment or provision of benefits at the end of the said fourteen (14) day notice period.
11.2 The Club may, within fourteen (14) days of receiving any notice of termination of this Agreement by the Player pursuant to clause 11.1, submit a written objection to such termination to the Player and to the League, which will consider the objection in accordance with the procedures set out in the League Rules.
11.3 If the Club exercises its right to object pursuant to clause 11.2, the termination of this Agreement shall not take effect until it is determined that the Player was entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to clause 11.1.
11.4 Upon termination of this Agreement by the Player, the Club shall immediately terminate the Player’s registration.
12. Dispute Resolution Procedures
In the event of any dispute between the Player and the Club concerning the Player’s contract under this Agreement, the dispute resolution procedures set out in Part 2 of the attached Appendix 1 shall apply.
13. Player Representation
In any disciplinary proceedings or appeal, the player is entitled to be accompanied or represented by the club’s team captain, a representative of the Professional Players’ Association, or any official of the Professional Players’ Association.
14. Leave
Regarding annual leave, the player is entitled to a total of five weeks of paid leave during the season, as determined by the club (subject to the club’s first team commitments and any international obligations). The club may not unreasonably refuse to allow the player to take three consecutive weeks of this leave. Any leave not taken during the season (or subject to an agreement with the club within one month of the end of the season) may not be carried over to the following season.
15. Continued Validity of the Agreement
The provisions of this agreement shall remain in full force and effect with respect to any act or omission of either party during the term of this agreement, regardless of its termination.
16. Confidentiality
This agreement shall be treated as a confidential document and its contents shall not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any person or company by either the club or the player, or any agent of the club or player, except:
16.1 With the prior written consent of both the club and the player.
16.2 As required by any legal, regulatory, governmental, or quasi-governmental authority, or as required by law or regulations, including (where applicable) any stock exchange.
16.3 For disclosure by the player to duly appointed professional agents and advisors, including the Professional Players’ Association. 16.4 The Club may disclose information to its duly appointed agent, professional advisors, or to its directors, employees, representatives, or auditors, to the extent necessary for them to carry out their duties.
17. Arbitration
Any dispute between the Club and the Player not covered by clauses 9, 10, 11, 12, and Appendix 1 of this Agreement shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the League rules or (but only if mutually agreed by the Club and the Player) in accordance with the Football Association rules.
18. Specificity of Football
The Parties acknowledge and agree that the rights and obligations under this Agreement, the consideration provided, and the term of this Agreement reflect the special nature and characteristics of the employment of football players and the Parties’ participation in the game of football in accordance with the Rules. The Parties therefore agree to submit all disputes relating to the rights and obligations of the Parties under this Agreement and otherwise under the Rules, including termination of this Agreement and any compensation payable in connection with termination or breach, to an arbitration tribunal or other body, and the Parties further agree to the jurisdiction and all decisions of such arbitration tribunal or other body (including on any appeal therefrom) in accordance with the procedures and practices set out in this Agreement and the Rules. 19. Independence
19.1 If the player does not submit a claim to the relevant employment authorities for compensation in respect of unfair dismissal or dismissal resulting from the failure to offer a new contract on terms at least as favorable as those under this Agreement, then the provisions of Article 19 shall apply.
19.2 If, by the end of this Agreement, the club has not offered the player a new contract on terms at least as favorable as those applicable during the last 12 months of this Agreement (or the entire duration of this Agreement if shorter), as referred to in Articles 19.1 and 19.3, the player shall continue to receive from the club (as a separate payment representing compensation, as further specified in the Code of Practice) an amount equal to the player’s basic weekly wage (calculated as the average of the player’s weekly wage over the preceding 12 months of this contract or the entire duration of this contract if shorter) for one month following the end of this Agreement or until the player signs for another club, whichever is the shorter period. Provided that, if the player signs for another club during that one-month period at a basic wage lower than this average, these payments shall additionally include an amount equal to the difference in basic wage for the remaining period.
19.3 The maximum amount payable to the player under sub-article 19.2 is twice the maximum amount that the relevant employment authority may award from time to time as compensation for unfair dismissal.
20. Miscellaneous Provisions
20.1 This Agreement and the documents referred to herein constitute the entire agreement between the Club and the Player and supersede all prior agreements between the Club and the Player.
20.2 Additional details of the contract terms not included in this Agreement, which must be provided to the Player in accordance with Part 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, are set out in Appendix 2.
20.3 This Agreement is signed by both parties and is issued in duplicate, each signed copy constituting an original for this purpose, and together constituting one agreement.
21. Privacy Notice
For the purposes of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation, the Player acknowledges that the Club, the League, the Professional Footballers’ Association and the Football Association may collect, share and process personal data, which may include special categories of personal data (as defined in the General Data Protection Regulation) about the Player, including data referred to in this Agreement. You will be provided with the League, Professional Footballers’ Association and Football Association player privacy notices directly during the registration process and/or they will be available on the official websites of these bodies. The Club’s data protection policy can be found in the Club’s employee handbook.
22. Jurisdiction and Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law, and the parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
Appendix 1
Part 1
Disciplinary Procedures and Sanctions
1. Introduction
The disciplinary procedures are designed to ensure that the Club acts fairly in investigating and dealing with allegations of unacceptable conduct, with the aim of helping and encouraging all Club employees to maintain appropriate standards of conduct and performance. However, the Club reserves the right to deviate from the requirements of its disciplinary procedures where it deems it appropriate to do so and where the resulting treatment of the player would be unfair.
2. Records
All disciplinary actions taken under these procedures will be recorded and kept in the Club’s records until they are deleted in accordance with paragraph 4.2. The player will be provided with a copy of their disciplinary record upon request.
3. Procedure
The following steps will be taken, as appropriate, in all disciplinary matters:
3.1 Investigation
No action will be taken until the Club has conducted a proper investigation into the matter in question. If the Club determines that it is appropriate, it may, by written notice, suspend the player for up to fourteen days while the investigation is being conducted. If the player is suspended in this manner, the contract will remain in effect, along with all the player’s rights thereunder, including payment of salary and benefits. However, during the suspension period, the player will not be permitted access to any of the Club’s premises except upon prior request and with the prior approval of the Club, and subject to any conditions imposed by the Club. The player will be notified in writing of the suspension decision.
3.2 Disciplinary Hearing
3.2.1 If the Club decides to hold a disciplinary hearing regarding the matter in question, the player will be given full written details of the complaint against them and reasonable notice of the date and time of the hearing. At the hearing, the player will be given an opportunity to present their case, either personally or through their representative, as provided in Article 13 of this Agreement. 3-2-2 As stipulated in paragraph 3-2-3, no disciplinary penalty shall be imposed without first giving the player an opportunity to present his case to the manager, or, if the player so requests, to the club director, and where the club deems it appropriate, or where the player requests the same, without a disciplinary hearing.
3-2-3 A disciplinary hearing may be held in the player’s absence, and a disciplinary penalty may be imposed if the player fails to attend such hearing after receiving proper notice.
3-3 Appeal
3-3-1 The player has the right to appeal to the Board against any disciplinary decision. The player must notify the Board in writing of his intention to appeal within fourteen days of being notified of the decision that is the subject of the appeal. The Board will hold an appeal hearing as soon as possible thereafter, at which the player will be given another opportunity to present his case. The player will be notified of the Board’s decision in writing within seven days, and, subject to paragraph 3-3-2, the decision will be final and binding under this procedure.
3-3-2 If any penalty is imposed or confirmed beyond a verbal warning, the player may send written notice to the club and the league within fourteen days of receiving written notification of the decision. The Board will submit the appeal notice to the league, which will then determine the matter in accordance with its rules.
3-3-3 If the player exercises any right of appeal as stated above, any penalty imposed by the club on the player will not take effect until the appeal has been determined and the penalty modified or rescinded, as the case may be.
4. Disciplinary Sanctions
4.1 In a disciplinary hearing or an appeal against a disciplinary decision, the club may dismiss the claim or, if it finds the claim to be valid, it may:
4.1.1 Issue a formal verbal or written warning, or a final written warning to the player after several previous warnings.
4.1.2 Impose a fine not exceeding the player’s basic salary for up to two weeks for a first offense (unless the Professional Football Players’ Association agrees otherwise in accordance with the Code of Practice) and up to four weeks for subsequent offenses within any consecutive twelve-month period, but only in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Practice.
4.1.3 Order the player to refrain from attending any of the club’s premises for a period determined by the club, not exceeding four weeks.
4.1.4 In any circumstances that would entitle the club to terminate the player’s contract under any provision of clause 10 of this Agreement, terminate the player’s contract or impose such other disciplinary measures (including suspending the player or imposing a financial penalty of all or part of the player’s basic salary for a period not exceeding six weeks).
4.2 Any warning or sanction imposed under this disciplinary procedure will be removed from the club’s records after twelve months.
Part II
Appeal Procedures
1. The player must first informally raise any grievance with the manager. The manager may then request that the player submit any grievance in writing. After investigating the grievance, the manager will notify the player of his decision. 2. If the player is not satisfied with the manager’s decision regarding the grievance, the player may, within fourteen days thereafter, submit a formal written notice of the grievance to the club secretary. The matter will then be determined by the club president or the board as soon as possible, and in any case within four weeks of receipt of the notice.
Appendix No. (2) – Player’s Name: …………………………….
Supplementary Provisions and Employment Rights Act 1996
The following provisions apply to supplement the terms of this contract and the information contained herein in order to comply with the requirements of Part 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
1. The player’s employment with the club commenced on ………………………………
2. This contract terminates on 30 June 202…
3. Any previous employment with another employer is not to be considered as part of the player’s continuous period of employment under this agreement.
4. The player’s working hours are those that the club may reasonably require from time to time for the performance of their duties, and the player is not entitled to any additional remuneration for work performed outside normal working hours.
5. The place of work is the club’s stadium and training ground, but the club may require the player to play and perform their duties under this agreement at any other location worldwide.
6. No statement of particulars of employment under the Employment Rights Act 1993 is required in relation to the player’s employment under this contract. 7. Pension Scheme for Professional Football Players
7.1 Upon signing this contract, the Player shall:
7.1.1 Automatically become a member of, or
7.1.2 Continue as a member of, Section 2011 of the Professional Footballers’ Pension Scheme (“the Scheme”) for the duration of their employment under this Agreement unless:
7.1.3 The Player notifies the Scheme Administrator in writing of their wish to withdraw from the Scheme; or
7.1.4 The Player is already registered with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs for enhanced or fixed protection; or
7.1.5 The Player joins an international club on a temporary basis by way of an international loan agreement (in which case their entitlement to membership of the Scheme will be suspended for the duration of the international loan agreement); or
7.1.6 The Player is otherwise ineligible for membership of the Scheme in accordance with the terms of the Scheme’s governing trust deed and rules as amended from time to time.
7.2 As long as the Player remains a member of Section 2011, an annual contribution (funded from the transfer fee levy) will be paid into the Scheme on the Player’s behalf. The annual contribution will be £6,000 or such other amount as the Scheme Trustees may determine from time to time.
7.3 The Player is not required to contribute to Section 2011, but may choose to contribute such amount as they notify the Scheme Administrator of in writing. If the Player decides to contribute to Section 2011, they may agree with their club and the Scheme Administrator on the contribution to be made through a salary sacrifice arrangement.
7.4 Where the Player, by virtue of previous membership of the Scheme, has accrued benefits under the Cash or Income Section, these benefits will be frozen and revalued until their retirement from the Scheme. The Player is entitled to these benefits (including death benefits) from each section of the program in which they participated, in accordance with the terms set out in the final trust deed of the scheme and the rules as amended from time to time.
7.5 The Player also agrees that the Club may disclose their name, address, email address, gender, date of birth, national insurance number, salary information, and employment start and end dates to the League and scheme administrators for the purposes of administering the scheme.
8. Remuneration
The Player’s remuneration will be as follows:
8.1 Basic Salary:
£………… per week/annum, payable in arrears on a monthly basis for the period from ………………… to ……………
£………… per week/annum, payable in arrears on a monthly basis for the period from ………………… to ……………
£………… per week/annum, payable in arrears on a monthly basis for the period from ………………… to ……………
8.2 Other bonuses and incentives to which the Player is entitled under the terms of the Club’s bonus and incentive scheme, as detailed below/copy attached:
Please see attached.
8.3 Any other payments: Please see attached.
9. Any insurance (if any) maintained for the benefit of the Player during the term of this contract, the premiums for which are paid by the Club, is subject to the following terms and conditions:
Nature of insurance coverage:
Not applicable
10. Benefits (if any) to be provided to the Player during the term of this contract:
Please see attached.
11. The Player’s normal retirement age is 35 years.
12. The terms and conditions of this contract form part of various collective agreements between the club (through the League) and the player (through the Professional Footballers’ Association) that affect the player’s employment, and the full details of which are set out in the Code of Practice.
13. (If applicable) The following additional or supplementary terms to those set out in clause 4 have been agreed between the club and the player as referred to in clause 4.11. Any other terms:
Please see attached.
14. Any other terms: Please see attached.
Signed by the Player
Player’s Signature:
In the presence of:
Witness Signature:
Witness Name:
Witness Address:
Witness Title/Position:
Signed by the Player’s Parent/Guardian (if the player is under 18 years of age) Parent/Guardian Signature:
Parent/Guardian Name:
In the presence of:
Witness Signature:
Witness Name:
Witness Address:
Witness Title/Position:
Signed on behalf of the Club:
Authorized Signatory Signature:
Authorized Signatory Name:
In the presence of:
Witness Signature:
Witness Name:
Witness Address:
Witness Title/Position:
Did the player use the services of an agent (Yes/No)? If yes, please state the agent’s name:
Did the club use the services of an agent (Yes/No)? If yes, please state the agent’s name:
Appendix 3: Premier League – Player Ethnicity Monitoring Questionnaire (Rule T.23)
What is your ethnic group? (Select one section from A to F, then check the appropriate box to indicate your ethnic background from the list below)
A – Asian or Asian British
C – Mixed or Multiple Ethnic Backgrounds
E – White
Indian Ethnic Groups English, Welsh
Pakistani White and Black Scottish
Bangladeshi Caribbean Irish or British
Chinese White and Black Irish
Any other Asian African Gypsy or Traveller Irish
Ethnic Origin White and Asian Roma
Mixed Ethnic Groups Eastern European
Black, African or Caribbean or Black British
Caribbean African
Any other Black or British Black or Caribbean
D – Ethnic Origin
Other Ethnic Groups – Arab
Any other ethnic group
Ethnic Origin
Not stated
Prefer not to disclose ethnic origin
Player’s Name……………………………………………………………………………………………
Signature…………………………………………… Date…………………………………………………
(Parent/Guardian to sign if player is a minor)
