FIFA's 2025 Interim Regulatory Framework: Clarifying the Concept of Just Cause for Unilateral Termination of Professional Football Employmen
This article examines the concept of “just cause” for the unilateral termination of professional football employment contracts under FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP). It pays particular att
FIFA's Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) aim to protect contractual stability while safeguarding the rights of both players and clubs. However, the meaning and application of “just cause” continue to raise important legal questions. The concept of just cause is a crucial aspect of professional football employment contracts, as it determines when a club can unilaterally terminate a player's contract. The 2025 Interim Regulatory Framework provides useful clarification on this issue, especially regarding the definition of just cause, the burden of proof, and the procedures before the Football Tribunal. Despite these changes, the application of the rules still depends largely on the assessment of each individual case. This article examines the RSTP, the 2025 Interim Regulatory Framework, FIFA's Commentary on the RSTP, decisions of the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC), and awards of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current legal framework. The analysis reveals that important uncertainties remain regarding abusive conduct, financial default, sporting just cause, and the balance between contractual stability and the employment rights of players. Furthermore, differences in the approach taken by the FIFA DRC and CAS reduce legal certainty and predictability. This article concludes that the 2025 reforms are a positive step towards greater legal clarity, but they do not resolve all the weaknesses of the current system. A clearer definition of just cause and more objective criteria for its application would benefit the concept. Greater consistency in the decisions of FIFA and CAS would also improve legal certainty and strengthen the balance between contractual stability and the legitimate interests of players and clubs. The 2025 Interim Regulatory Framework offers valuable insights into the regulation of professional football employment contracts, and this article provides a detailed legal analysis of its provisions. As such, it is essential to note that this research is intended for laboratory use only and should not be used for clinical or therapeutic purposes without proper authorization and regulatory oversight.