Can a footballer end his contract if he is not paid?

The two months rule

Article 14bis of FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players gives a player just cause to terminate when his club has unlawfully failed to pay at least two monthly salaries on their due dates. Where pay is not monthly, the pro rata value of two months counts. A delay of at least two months' worth of pay also counts.

The steps

• Keep records: the contract, payslips and bank statements showing what was paid and when.
• Write to the club putting it in default, saying what is owed.
• Give it at least 15 days to pay in full.
• If it still has not paid, terminate in writing, citing the unpaid salaries.
• Take advice before you act. A collective agreement in your country can set different rules.

Other just cause

Just cause exists more generally whenever a party can no longer reasonably and in good faith be expected to continue the contract (article 14). The rules list abuses by a club that count, including using registration as pressure, separating a player from team training abusively, withholding his passport and unduly evicting him from his home.

Sporting just cause

An established professional who appeared in fewer than ten per cent of his club's official matches in a season may end his contract for sporting just cause, within 15 days after the club's last official match. It is judged case by case, and compensation may still be payable (article 15).

After you end it

A player whose contract was ended unilaterally can be registered outside a window under the edition in force from 1 January 2027, after a quick check by FIFA. Claims for what is owed go to FIFA's Football Tribunal or a national body.