What to check before signing an employment contract

Make sure the contract clearly states:

• The parties – the club's exact legal name and registration details, as well as your own details. The contract should be with the club, not with a third party.
• The term – the start and end dates of the contract.
• The language – you must understand the text. If the contract is in a foreign language, ask for a translation or explanation and find out which language version prevails.

Never sign blank pages, unfinished documents or side agreements you do not understand.

Financial terms are the most common source of disputes, so check them especially carefully:

• Salary – is the amount stated gross (before tax) or net (after tax)? The difference can be significant.
• Payment dates – when and how the salary is paid.
• Bonuses – what they are for, what the conditions are and when they are paid. Vague wording ("at the club's discretion") gives you less protection.
• Housing, transport and other benefits – if they have been promised, they should be written into the contract.

Verbal promises that are not in the contract can be hard to prove later.

• Termination – in which cases, and with what consequences, each party may end the contract.
• Unilateral options – clauses allowing the club alone to extend the contract or change its terms. Such clauses can be unfavourable to players and their validity may be questionable – find out what they mean before signing.
• Disciplinary rules and fines – which sanctions apply, at what level and under what procedure. Any internal club rules referred to in the contract should also be made available to you.
• Image rights – how the club may use your name and image, and whether separate payment is provided for this.

• Get a copy of the contract signed by both parties, together with all annexes.
• Make sure the contract is registered with the federation in line with LFF regulations – your registration as a player may depend on it.
• If you use an agent or intermediary, find out who pays them, how much and for what. Intermediary activity is governed by specific regulations, and you should have a written agreement with them. Check that there is no conflict of interest.

Keep all documents somewhere safe – you may need them for years.

If you are unsure about any term, contact LPFA before you sign – fixing things afterwards is much harder. Use the confidential assistance request form and, if possible, attach the draft contract.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and LPFA cannot guarantee any particular outcome.