2.2.2 Fair Trial

Fair Trial and Due Process

All players have the right to a fair trial

When any player is involved in any kind of legal conflict they have the right to a fair trial, in which they should be treated fairly and properly – just like any other citizen. This fundamental human rights includes an initial presumption of innocence and is often connected to due process. The two main principles of the ECHR (European Court of Human Rights) are the presumption of innocence and the principle of legal certainty.

What you should know

Not all disputes can be settled within the football industry

Some cases rely on the ordinary justice system and public courts.

FIFPRO protects players’ rights both internally and externally

They also ensure that they are granted the same rights as any other citizen during legal proceedings.

Sporting organisations don’t always acknowledge these rights

It is FIFPRO’s duty and priority to enforce them when necessary, protecting players both domestically and internationally.

2.2.2 Fair Trial (2)
Player story

Forced out of a club: A player’s 12-month struggle for justice

This is a story about a player who joined a foreign club. After only one month, the club wanted the player to terminate his contract. When he refused, the club put him under pressure with unlawful and abusive behaviour. The player remained resilient, got what he was legally owed, and now wants to share his experiences anonymously to help other players.

Generic Player Silhouette
Player story

Catalina Quezada: "We feel like game changers for Chilean football"

Catalina Quezada is a 27-year-old defender, who made history in Chilean women's football on 1 July 2022, alongside her team-mates Nicole Marinelarena, Constanza Villanueva and Alexandra Cruz, by becoming the first professional women's players to win a labour lawsuit against a club in their country.

Catalina Quezada playing