Contracts
Guidance for Players
Player unions are on hand to support footballers when it comes to navigating contracts and any issues that may arise. Professional footballers are workers, and both the unions and FIFPRO will do their utmost to protect their rights as employees.
Contracts: What to Know
While standard player contracts in football are intended to safeguard players’ rights and ensure fair treatment, in reality this is not always the case. Many players find themselves subject to terms that disproportionately favour clubs, leaving them vulnerable to unfair practices or misunderstandings.
Therefore, players should approach any contract with caution and consult their national player union and/or FIFPRO to ensure their rights and interests are fully protected both on and off the pitch.
If a club tells you they need your passport to obtain a residence or work permit, instead provide them with a photocopy of your passport or insist that you will come along for those formalities.
Do not fall into a trap of a club stating all copies must be approved by the FA. Always keep one version containing the signatures of you and the club.
This is so clubs cannot change the currency. If you leave the currency open when you sign the contract, the club could take advantage of this. Ensure all clauses have been agreed before signing a contract; in case of any remaining empty spaces, said empty spaces should be crossed out so that a club cannot add clauses after the signature of the contract.
If you do not have a trusted long-term relationship with an agent and they only became your agent in the context of employment discussions with a club, they may not act in your interest and instead will prefer to maintain their relationship with the club. In case of dispute, immediately reach out to your local union, FIFPRO, or an independent lawyer.
Need Legal Assistance?
If you are a member of a national player association, you should always turn to them for legal advice first.
Contracts and Salaries
Fake Agents: A Warning to Players
In collaboration with the Didier Drogba Foundation and the International Labour Organization (ILO), FIFPRO Africa is raising awareness of African players being targeted and scammed by people pretending to be agents. FIFPRO Africa's aim is to empower players by warning them of the risks, providing education on the issue, and ultimately equipping them with the knowledge to protect themselves against these 'agents'.
More on Fake Agents
Fake Agents: What to Know
Many footballers – from youth players to professionals – are being approached by people pretending to be agents, making false promises about arranging a trial or a contract with a new club.
Players can be tempted by the promises of trials, contracts and success, and agree to doing business with these ‘agents’. However, it can result in a player being scammed – from losing money or being stranded in a foreign country.
FIFPRO surveyed 263 professional players from seven countries: Botswana, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe. More than 70% of players were contacted by a person who said they could help them move club, 56% of players did not get the trial that was promised to them, and 44% of the players said they did not sign the contract they expected to sign.
Check if the agent is licensed by FIFA; never pay an agent before signing a contract with a club; never sign a deal with an agent without first seeking legal advice; contact your local player union or FIFPRO.