The impact of the collective bargaining agreement on professional football contracts

Vlad Herescu
Oct 29
3 min read

Updated: Nov 6

As a football agent, your field is international. Beyond national law, it’s essential to understand collective bargaining agreements (CBAs).FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) acknowledge the importance of CBAs by allowing their inclusion in transfer and employment frameworks.

In this Forefront Legal blog, we explain what a CBA is, highlight notable examples in different countries, and explore a major update in the new Italian CBA. You’ll also find actionable insights that agents can use to enhance negotiations and ensure compliance with evolving football regulations.

What Is a Collective Bargaining Agreement?

A CBA is a written contract negotiated between a union and an employer. It defines the terms of employment — wages, hours, benefits, and grievance procedures — and is legally binding on both parties.

A core principle of CBAs is that conditions cannot be less favorable to employees than the law requires, though they may adapt provisions to specific industries.A notable example was the 2020 negotiations between the English Premier League clubs and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) regarding wage deferrals during the COVID-19 pandemic — highlighting how CBAs protect players’ interests and stabilize leagues.

CBAs in FIFA Regulations

While the FIFA RSTP does not have a dedicated article on CBAs, they are integrated throughout several key rules — influencing payment terms, dispute resolution, and transfer procedures.

Key Articles and Agent Insights

Article 18 – Grace Periods for PaymentsAmended to allow “grace periods” in CBAs for contract payments (previously prohibited in individual contracts).Agent checklist:

Check for grace-period clauses in CBAs.
Ensure they comply with current FIFA rules.

Article 17 – Premature Contract TerminationAddresses early contract termination, balancing player freedom with club interests.Agent checklist:

Assess implications for early termination.
Use CBAs to negotiate fairer mobility rights.

Article 24b – Enforcement of Financial AwardsEmpowers FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) and Players’ Status Committee (PSC) to impose sanctions for non-payment through CBAs.Agent checklist:

Confirm the enforcement process.
Leverage CBAs to enhance payment protection.

MLS and FIFA: How Collective Bargaining Differs

The Major League Soccer (MLS) CBA operates differently from FIFA’s RSTP. While FIFA’s framework is global, MLS has stricter, league-specific rules governing player contracts and financial structures.

Key differences:

Framework: FIFA rules apply globally; MLS CBA applies within the league.
Alignment: MLS includes FIFA-style provisions (e.g., solidarity payments) for consistency.
Exemptions: Some FIFA rules (Articles 14, 14bis, 15, 18, 22) are waived in MLS player contracts.
Extras: MLS adds mechanisms like salary caps and roster budgets for financial stability.
Dispute resolution: Unresolved disputes can escalate to FIFA’s DRC under the RSTP framework.

For agents, understanding these differences is vital — especially when managing transfers between MLS and Europe. Knowledge of both systems enables better negotiations and optimized player contracts.

The New Italian Serie A CBA

Italy’s latest Serie A CBA introduces significant changes:

Relegation Clause:

A 25% automatic salary reduction applies if a team is relegated to Serie B (for contracts signed after September 2, 2025).
The reduction is lifted upon promotion back to Serie A.
Players’ salaries cannot drop below the legal minimum.
Clubs and players may negotiate exceptions through explicit contract clauses.

Other Updates:

Enhanced collective image rights.
A stricter system of fines.
A guaranteed salary floor.

For agents: these changes mean new negotiation opportunities — from securing performance-based exceptions to ensuring minimum salary protections and conditional bonuses.

The Broader Impact of CBAs

For Players

Improved conditions: Enhanced benefits, pensions, and job security.
Increased mobility: Clearer rules for free agency and transfers.
Standardized rights: Uniform protections for all players.
Collective influence: Players gain a stronger voice in league decisions.

For Leagues and Teams

Financial stability: Salary caps and revenue-sharing improve predictability.
Controlled mobility: CBAs can limit player movement (e.g., renewal deadlines).
Regulatory clarity: Fewer disputes, stronger legal consistency.

The Agent’s Role in a CBA Framework

Negotiate within the CBA: Ensure client contracts align with league rules.
Focus on details: Tailor salaries, bonuses, and image rights.
Provide strategic advice: Help players understand obligations, discipline, and compliance.

Conclusion

Collective bargaining agreements are at the core of modern football, shaping the rights, economics, and balance of power between players and clubs.For agents, mastering these agreements isn’t optional — it’s essential.

At Forefront Legal, we assist with CBA review, negotiation, and dispute resolution, ensuring every client benefits from strong legal protection and strategic advantage.