Professional football players are entitled to various receivables throughout their careers. These receivables are paid according to the terms specified in the contracts and vary according to factors such as the player's performance, participation or transfer processes. In this article, we will discuss the types of professional football player receivables, how these receivables can be collected and the legal processes in detail.
1. Bonus 💵🏅
A bonus is an additional fee paid if the player meets certain conditions. These conditions are freely determined by the parties in the contract and are usually tied to performance targets. Bonuses are used to increase the player's motivation and encourage his performance.
Examples:
- Number of Matches: A player can receive a bonus of 500,000 Turkish Lira if he plays 20 matches during the season.
- Goals or Assists: A certain amount can be paid if he scores 25 goals or makes 15 assists.
- Team Success: A bonus payment can be made if the team finishes the league as champions or wins a cup.
Bonuses must be clearly stated in the contract. Otherwise, it may be difficult for the player to claim this receivable.
2. Transfer Fee 💸💼
A transfer fee is the fee paid when a player is transferred to another club. This fee is freely determined between the player's current club and the new club. The transfer fee varies depending on factors such as the player's age, performance, potential and contract period.
Example:
While the transfer fee for a young and talented player can be millions or the transfer fee for a player whose contract is about to expire may be lower. Transfer fees are one of the most important financial elements of inter-club transfers.
3. Signing Fee ✍️💵
A signing fee is a fee usually paid to players whose contracts have expired or who have a transfer fee. This payment is part of the player's agreement with his new club and is freely determined by the parties. Signing fee is used to encourage the player to transfer to a new club.
Example:
A player whose contract has ended can receive a 1 million euro signing fee when signing with his new club. This payment is an important source of income for the player during the transfer process.
4. Guaranteed Fee 💸📅
A guaranteed fee is a fee paid to the player without any other conditions other than his basic salary. This payment can be made monthly or in advance according to the terms specified in the contract. The guaranteed fee aims to provide financial security for the player.
Example:
A player can receive a monthly guarantee fee of 100,000 Turkish Lira specified in his contract. This payment is paid regardless of the player's performance.
5. Match Fee ⚽💰
Footballers receive a fee according to the number of matches they play. This fee varies according to the terms specified in the contract.
Examples:
- Playing in the First 11: A player can receive 50,000 Turkish Lira for matches played in the first 11.
- Being a Substitute: A player can be paid 25,000 Turkish Lira for matches played from the substitute bench.
The match fee is used to encourage the player to participate in matches.
Collection of Receivables: Legal Processes ⚖️
Football players can resort to various legal means to collect their receivables.
Dispute Resolution Board (DRC) 🏛️⚖️ (as known as Uyuşmazlık Çözüm Kurulu-UÇK)
DRC is responsible for resolving disputes between players, clubs and technical staff. The board examines and decides on disputes arising from contracts.
Process:
1. Application: The parties notify the DRC of the dispute.
2. Review: The DRC examines the documents submitted by the parties.
3. Decision: Disputes are usually concluded within four months.
4. Objection: An objection can be made to the TFF (as known as Turkish Football Federation) Arbitration Board against the decisions of the DRC.
The DRC is exclusively responsible for issues such as sports penalties and training compensation.
Judicial Court ⚖️
Football players can also apply to judicial courts to collect their receivables. In this process:
- Court Selection: If the club is a company, the Commercial Court of First Instance is competent, and if it is an association, the Civil Court of First Instance is competent.
- Litigation Process: The football player claims his receivables and the court process begins.
- Decision: The court may decide that the club fulfills its payment obligation.
Judicial court is used especially in cases where the DRC is not applied to.
Enforcement Process ⚖️
Football players can initiate non-judicial enforcement proceedings for their receivables that have matured. This process includes the following steps:
1. Notice: A notice is sent to the club for receivables that have not matured.
2. Enforcement Proceedings: If the club does not pay, the enforcement office will be contacted.
3. Seizure Procedures: The club's assets may be seized. This includes transactions such as vehicle seizure, real estate seizure or bank account seizure.
Example:
A football player may request that the club's bank accounts be seized. In addition, the club's sponsorship income or rights it will receive from the federation may also be subject to seizure.
Assets That May Be Subject to Seizure 🚗🏠💳
During the collection of football player receivables, the following assets of the clubs may be seized:
- Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights: The club's brand and patent rights. 💡
- Sponsor Revenues: Income earned by the club from sponsorship agreements. 🤝
- Revenue Seizure: Income from Passolig (e-ticket system) or club affiliates. 🎫
- TFF and Spor Toto Rights: Shares received from the Federation. ⚽🏆
Conclusion
Professional football players can take legal action to collect their receivables specified in their contracts. If the clubs fail to fulfill these obligations, the players can seek their rights through the DRC, judicial courts or enforcement. These processes ensure that a fair balance is maintained in the world of football. ⚖️⚽
Harmony between players and clubs supports both sporting success and financial stability. 🤝💼