PtG Article 23.04.2012

New player contract agreement for European football

Last week, UEFA, the European Professional Football Leagues (EPFL), the European Club Association (ECA) and the players union FIFPro Division Europe agreed on a "historic" agreement set to ensure minimum standards for player contracts in Europe.

The minimum requirements set out by the agreement are meant to protect both players and clubs, safeguard player welfare and enhance governance in European football. The agreement requires that contracts must be in writing, define the basic rights of both player and club, address topics such as salary, health insurance and paid leave and contain provisions on dispute resolution. It also states that players are required to participate in training and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“We got here through a lot of work, good faith and mutual trust,” said UEFA president Michel Platini. Philippe Piat, president of FIFPro Division Europe, added: “It took more time than we could imagine. But the main thing is that we did it. This is good for the game, for the clubs and of course, it is also good for the players. This agreement will see to it that their rights will be better protected,” writes Sport Business.

SOURCE: Sport Business

http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/185412/uefa-hails-landmark-player-contract-agreement