MUSCAT, MARCH 14
A professional contract between a football player and a club is the main legal reference that protects the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Therefore, players must carefully review all details before signing any agreement with a club.
Issa al Noobi, a Fifa-authorised football agent, shared his experience with Oman Observer and highlighted ten important points that players should consider before signing contracts with domestic or international clubs. According to Al Noobi, many players focus mainly on the salary offered by the club, while several other important clauses may directly affect their career and financial rights.
Understanding the Contract
The first point, he said, is awareness of the laws and contract terms. Players should carefully read all clauses in the agreement, including the duration of the contract and conditions related to player movement between clubs.
“Players should not only focus on the salary figure. They must understand every detail in the contract, including how long the agreement will last and whether they are allowed to move to another club during that period,” he explained.
Total Contract Value
Al Noobi stressed that players should consider the full value of the contract rather than only the monthly salary. The agreement should clearly state the total amount of the contract and how it will be distributed over the contract period, including advance payments and the exact date when salaries will be paid.
Bonuses and Incentives
Performance bonuses are another important factor. Contracts should clearly mention rewards for achievements such as scoring goals in essential matches, participating in a certain number of matches, or helping the team achieve specific targets during the season.
Termination Clauses
The contract should also include clear termination clauses. These clauses define the conditions under which a player or a club can end the contract early and whether the player can move to another club if a new offer is received. Any financial penalties or compensation must also be clearly stated.
Accommodation and Transport
For many professional contracts, especially those signed abroad, the agreement should specify whether the club will provide accommodation, transportation, or other benefits such as a car or annual travel tickets.
Medical Insurance
Another key point is medical coverage. Contracts should clearly explain who will cover the costs if a player suffers an injury, especially long-term injuries that may affect the player’s ability to compete.
Image Rights and Advertising
Al Noobi also advised players to review clauses related to commercial and media use of their image. If a player appears in advertisements or promotional campaigns for the club, the contract should specify the share of revenue between the club and the player. Many clubs took the full revenue without paying the player’s share.
Penalty Clauses
Disciplinary penalties must also be clearly defined in the contract. These may include fines for late attendance at training sessions, missing team camps, or violating club rules. Both parties should fully understand these conditions.
Loan or Transfer Conditions
Contracts should also address the possibility of loan moves or permanent transfers. Al Noobi emphasised that such decisions should involve the approval of both the club and the player, and the terms must be clearly stated in the contract, especially if the player will receive an offer from another club during the same season.
Legal Review
Finally, Issa al Noobi strongly recommends that players have their contracts reviewed by a qualified sports lawyer or professional adviser before signing. “A third-party review helps the player understand the legal details, especially those related to international football regulations and Fifa rules,” he said.
Al Noobi concluded that careful contract review is essential for protecting a player’s career and ensuring fairness between the player and the club.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
