What to do when your club breaches your contract

A breach of contract is not always only about salary. Typical situations include:

• exclusion from first-team training or being made to train separately without a valid reason;
• unilateral changes – reducing your salary or changing your duties or terms without your consent;
• pressure to terminate your contract or to "find yourself another club";
• failure to provide promised benefits – for example housing, transport or insurance;
• unjustified fines or disciplinary measures.

As with unpaid salary, evidence is key:

• Note dates, events, the people involved and what was said.
• Keep instructions, training schedules, messages and emails.
• If you receive instructions verbally, ask for written confirmation or send a short summary yourself.
• Inform the club calmly and in writing that you do not agree with the change or conduct, and ask for it to be put right.

Do not sign an agreement to amend or terminate your contract until you fully understand the consequences.

Even if the club is acting wrongly, do not stop attending training or performing your duties without first taking advice. If you stop working yourself, the club may argue that you are the one in breach, which can have serious consequences for you.

Football regulations recognise the concept of "just cause", which in certain circumstances allows a party to terminate a contract unilaterally. However, strict conditions apply – usually prior written notice, evidence and the correct procedure are required. Whether just cause exists is assessed case by case, and acting incorrectly can backfire.

The regulations set specific procedural requirements and deadlines that can be short, so act promptly.

If any of this applies to you, contact LPFA through the confidential assistance request form. The sooner you reach out, the more room there is to assess your situation before any possible deadlines pass.

LPFA will review your situation and let you know about possible next steps. This page is general information, not legal advice, and LPFA cannot guarantee any particular outcome.