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Football Player Contracts

What is Training Compensation?

It is a fee payable to a player's training clubs when the player signs their first professional contract or transfers internationally before the end of the season of their 23rd birthday.

Can I play for 3 clubs in one season?

Generally, no. Under FIFA rules, a player can be registered with a maximum of 3 clubs in one season but can only play official matches for 2 of them.

How long does a FIFA DRC case take?

A standard dispute regarding unpaid wages at the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber typically takes between 3 to 8 months, depending on complexity.

What is the "protected period" in a contract?

It is the first 3 years of a contract (if signed before age 28) or 2 years (if signed after 28), during which sporting sanctions for breach of contract are more severe.

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3 min

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Football player contracts and transfer activities represent the largest and most financially significant segment of sports law. Football is regulated by the strictest and constantly changing rules established by FIFA, UEFA, and the Georgian Football Federation (GFF). A professional football player's contract is not a standard document; it must include mandatory FIFA requirements to be valid. Within this service, lawyers assist players, agents, and clubs in resolving complex legal issues such as international transfers, solidarity mechanisms, training compensation, and wage disputes. Qualified legal support is essential for correct operation within the FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS) and avoiding sanctions.

What Does the Football Player Contracts Service Cover?

Our service covers the full spectrum of football law:

  • Transfer Agreements: Preparation/review of Transfer Agreements between clubs and the player's personal contract.
  • Loan Agreements: Defining terms for a player's temporary move (obligation to pay wages, option to buy, prohibition on playing against the parent club).
  • Training Compensation and Solidarity Mechanism: Calculating and claiming funds for clubs (academies) that trained the player between the ages of 12 and 23.
  • FIFA TMS System: Legal oversight of the transfer registration process in the FIFA Transfer Matching System.
  • Dispute Resolution (DRC): Representation in the GFF Dispute Resolution Chamber and the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC).

Real-World Situations When You Need This Service

Lawyer involvement is essential in the football world:

  • Salary Delays: The club has not paid wages for more than 2 months. Under FIFA rules, the player can terminate the contract and demand compensation. The lawyer ensures precise adherence to the procedure.
  • Transfer of Minors: The move of a player under 18 to a foreign academy is strictly regulated (Article 19). Obtaining special permission from FIFA is required.
  • Disciplinary Breach: A player faces suspension or a fine. An appeal to the Disciplinary Committee is needed.
  • Contract Termination: The club wants to release a player before the contract expires. The lawyer negotiates compensation (Golden Handshake).

Georgian Legal Framework

The legal status of football players is regulated by the "Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players of the Georgian Football Federation", which is fully compliant with FIFA RSTP (Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players). The "Labor Code of Georgia" also applies (considering sports specifics). At the international level, FIFA circulars and the case law of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) are paramount. Disputes are heard in the GFF Dispute Resolution Chamber, and in cases with an international element — at the FIFA Tribunal.

Process: How a Specialist Works

The work of a football lawyer includes:

  1. Documentation Audit: Checking contracts and transfer documents for compliance with FIFA/UEFA regulations.
  2. Calculation: Precise calculation of solidarity contribution and training compensation based on the player's career passport.
  3. Representation: Defending interests in negotiations and arbitration hearings.

Why Legal.ge?

Legal.ge gives you access to football law experts with experience in both the local (Erovnuli Liga) and international markets. In football, time and details are crucial — making the right decision minutes before the transfer window closes can only be done by an experienced professional.

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Specialists for this service

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