Brussels, 20/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - The UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) concluded an historic agreement on 19 April with the social partners in the professional football sector FIFPro (Trade Union); EPFL (European Professional Football Leagues), ECA (European Club Association) guaranteeing players minimum contract standards in the European Union and the other countries covered by UEFA. The agreement had already been approved by UEFA's Congress on 22 March in Istanbul and was signed during an official ceremony organised by the European Commission, attended by Sport Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou, Employment, Social Affairs and Social Inclusion Commissioner Laszlo Andor and UEFA President Michel Platini.
Vassiliou welcomed the agreement and said, “It [the agreement] represents an important milestone in relations between football stakeholders at EU level, and a step towards further cooperation in the football family. I especially welcome the fact that the agreement will be implemented not just in the 27 EU member states, but in all the 53 member associations of UEFA. Its wide territorial coverage will help to ensure that the same rules and standards apply to clubs and players all over Europe”. Andor said: “This is a significant achievement for EU-level social dialogue in the professional football sector. It is a first step in offering minimum social standards regarding the form of players' contracts - especially young players”.
This agreement is, above all, expected to protect professional players who ply their trade in non-Premier leagues. Players in Eastern Europe (who earn quite low wages), where 45% of the terms in contracts are not respected, are expected to benefit. Premier league level players, represented by the best agents are able to demand solid contracts and will not see any difference to their conditions. The agreement outlines minimum requirements for players' contracts in order to protect footballers and clubs, ensure the well-being of players and help develop good governance in European football. Minimum requirements agreed stipulate that contracts should: 1) be in writing; 2) define the main rights and responsibilities of club and player; 3) tackle questions such as wages, health insurance, national contributions and paid holidays etc.; 4) contain provisions on the resolution of litigation and applicable legislation. The rules also include an obligation on players to participate in training, lead a healthy lifestyle and respect disciplinary procedures in force. (IL/transl.fl)