Frequently Asked Questions for Player Contracts & Sports Professionalism
Yes, there is Law No. (8) of 2021 regarding Sports Professionalism and its amendments. Additionally, the General Sports Authority is currently in the process of issuing the General Framework for Sports Professionalism.
No, a professional player is not permitted to hold contracts with two different clubs concurrently, as this constitutes a gross violation of local and international regulations and undermines the principle of contractual stability. However, a player may be loaned from one club to another, in which case they shall play exclusively for the club to which they have been transferred.
Parties have the legal right to include a penalty clause in contracts to safeguard their respective rights, provided that such clauses do not conflict with applicable laws and regulations.
In sports contracts, Force Majeure is defined as an external, unpredictable, and unavoidable event that renders the fulfillment of contractual obligations absolutely impossible—rather than merely difficult or burdensome. In the sports sector, such events result in the suspension, postponement, or termination of the contract.
Because sports injuries are predictable and not impossible occurrences, they do not constitute Force Majeure. Consequently, an injured player remains protected by their contract, and the club’s obligations toward them continue. The club has no right to terminate the contract solely due to a long-term injury unless it complies with the specified liquidated damages (termination penalty clause).
It must be considered that the nature of each contract varies; a contract may include specific clauses or amend/cancel of others. The essential requirements include, but are not limited to:
- Defining the laws and regulations applicable to the contract.
- Specifying the validity period of the contract with absolute clarity (e.g., the contract commences on [Date] and expires on [Date]).
- Outlining the obligations of both parties.
- Defining disciplinary liability.
- Specifying the cases for termination, suspension, and rescission of the contract.
- Identifying the competent authority for settling disputes arising from the contract.
A sports player is considered a professional athlete pursuant to the Sports Professionalism Law issued by Decision No. (8) of 2021 and its amendments. Consequently, the player is subject to international and local rules and regulations governing the sport. As for Labor Law, it applies to administrative and support staff, such as drivers or laborers.