MFPA Player Zone Magazine #2

Player Zone | Summer 2017
step
a in the right direction
sTANDARD EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
Malta has finally joined many other football nations when it established
a standard employment contract to regulate the relationship between
professional players and clubs. MFPA has been leading the campaign in
favour of the establishment of a Standard Contract for years and has
worked tirelessly to see this through.
What is a Standard
Employment Contract?
It is a template of an employment
contract, stipulating the minimum
criteria that an employment
contract between a player and a
club should have. In other words,
the template can be used word
by word by clubs and players,
changing only names, and
remuneration details.
Why is the Standard Contract
so important for the protection
of players?
Unfortunately some players
sign contracts they do not fully
understand. In some instances,
such contracts hold clauses that
are not in the player’s best interest.
The setting up of a standard
contract ensures that the clauses
in the contract are in line with MFA
and FIFA regulations as well as with
Maltese employment law. In other
words if the standard contract is
used, there is a guarantee that the
clauses are in line with established
rules and regulations.
Does this mean that a player
can sign without going through
the content of the contract?
No. This is never a good idea. The
player should go through each
and every clause and make sure
he understands everything before
he signs. We have seen contracts
which look identical to the
Standard Contract but have been
amended to the disadvantage
of the player. Should the player
have any doubt whatsoever we
recommend contacting us on
info@maltafpa.com
A copy of the Standard
Employment Contract can be
viewed on our website;
maltafpa.com under Resources.
DID YOU KNOW?
That a private agreement between a club and a
professional player is not enforceable in front of the
MFA. There must be only 1 employment contract
between the parties, which includes ALL payments.
All income under an employment contract, is at the
preferential rate of 7.5% Income tax.
14 A Step in the Right Direction