LITHUANIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION
REGULATIONS ON THE STATUS AND TRANSFER OF PLAYERS
I.
1.
INTRODUCTION
Purpose of the Regulations
1.1.
The Lithuanian Football Federation (hereinafter referred to as the LFF), being a member of FIFA
and UEFA, realizing its rights and fulfilling its obligations as a member of FIFA as well as
following the legal norms and regulations of the Republic of Lithuania, the FIFA Statute, the FIFA
Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, is hereby issuing the following LFF Regulations
on the Status and Transfer of Players (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations).
1.2.
The Regulations set forth the obligatory rules regarding the status of Players, their registration, their
transfer between Clubs, dispute resolution between Clubs and Players, payment of compensations
to Clubs, reward to investors into the training and development of young Players, system,
protection of contractual stability, release of Players to the LFF association teams and the Players’
rights to play for such teams.
1.3.
The Regulations also define the responsibility and the sanctions imposed for the breach of rules
and requirements set forth in the present Regulations, other documents related to the Regulations
and approved by the LFF bodies and/or Administration as well as the documents approved by
FIFA and UEFA.
1.4.
The Regulations are binding for all the Clubs that participate in the LFF competitions and/or are
registered with the LFF. The Regulations are binding for the Members, the employees of the LFF
and the Members, Clubs, Players registered with the Clubs and Officials (including Administration
employees, coaches, medical personnel, media representatives and other official bodies),
associations, unions and other organizations directly related to Organized Football as well as the
members and employees of such associations, unions and other organizations, sports schools, and
Academies under the jurisdiction of the LFF.
1.5.
The Regulations do not apply to the cases which are governed by the FIFA Regulations on the
Status and Transfer of Players. In such cases, the rules set forth in the FIFA Regulations on the
Status and Transfer of Players shall apply.
2.
Definitions
2.1.
The capitalized terms used in the Regulations have the following meanings:
2.1.1.
LFF – the Lithuanian Football Federation.
2.1.2.
FIFA – Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
2.1.3.
UEFA – the Union of European Football Associations.
2.1.4.
Association – a football federation recognized by FIFA and/or UEFA that is a member
of FIFA and/or UEFA.
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2.1.5.
Former Association – the Association to which the Former Club is affiliated.
2.1.6.
Former Club – the Club that the Player is leaving.
2.1.7.
New Association – the Association to which the New Club is affiliated.
2.1.8.
New Club – the Club that the Player is joining.
2.1.9.
Official Matches – the matches played within the framework of Organized Football, such
as LFF championships, tournaments, LFF cups and international championships for clubs,
but not including friendly and trial matches.
2.1.10. Organized Football – the type of football organized under the auspices of FIFA, the
confederations and the associations, or authorized by them.
2.1.11. Protected Period – the period of three entire Seasons or three years, whichever comes
first, starting on the day the Contract comes into force, where such Contract is concluded
prior to the twenty-eighth birthday of the Professional Player, or two entire Seasons or two
years, whichever comes first, starting on the day the Contract comes into force, where such
Contract is concluded after the twenty-eighth birthday of the Professional Player.
2.1.12. Registration Period – the period of Players’ registration in the Club as defined by the
LFF.
2.1.13. Season – the time period starting with the first Official Match of the relevant national
league championship/ tournament and ending with the last Official Match of the relevant
national league championship/ tournament.
2.1.14. Training Compensation – the compensation paid to the Club to cover the development
of young Players as set forth in Annex 1 of the Regulations.
2.1.15. Solidarity Mechanism – the system that governs the payments of solidarity contributions
to former clubs which contributed to the education and training of the Professional Player,
as set forth in Annex 1 of the Regulation.
2.1.16. Minor – a Player under 18 years of age.
2.1.17. Academy – a legal entity with the most important long-term goal to guarantee steady
training process for the Players by providing the facilities and infrastructure necessary for
training, including but not limited to football training centers, football camps, schools, etc.
2.1.18. FIFA TMS System – a web-based data management system with the main goal to
facilitate the international transfers of Players and to ensure the clarity of information.
2.1.19. LFF Statute – the Articles of Association of the Lithuanian Football Federation.
2.1.20. Club – public or private legal entity which operates within the scope of football,
contributes to the development of football, has a Team and is a Member of the LFF.
2.1.21. Member – a Member of the LFF and/or a Member of a Member of the LFF.
2.1.22. Officials – anyone, with the exception of Players, performing an activity connected with
football at a Club or the LFF, regardless of their title or position, or the type of activity
(administrative, sporting or any other), or duration; in particular, managers, coaches,
medical personnel, media representatives and support staff, including other individuals who
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may have influence on the Club, such as shareholders, partners and sponsors.
2.1.23. Player – a football Player.
2.1.24. Professional – a Player who holds the status of a professional football Player.
2.1.25. Amateur – a Player who is not a Professional.
2.1.26. Team – a group of Officials and Players, who belong to the same Club, engage in regular
training and participate in Matches.
2.1.27. Contract – a written agreement for sporting activity concluded between a Club and a
Player.
2.1.28. Match – a competition between the Teams of two Clubs organized according to the Laws
of the Game approved by the IFAB (International Football Association Board) with the
goal to determine a stronger Team.
2.1.29. Competition – football championships, competitions and tournaments as well as other
competitions organized and played under the auspices of the LFF or its subordinates, or on
behalf of the LFF according to the Competition Rules.
2.1.30. Competition Rules – competition rules approved by the LFF.
2.1.31. Appeal Committee – the Appeal Committee of the LFF.
2.1.32. Participants – Members, employees of the LFF and its Members, Clubs, Players registered
with Clubs and Officials of the Clubs, Players, coaches, referees, match officials and other
associations, unions and organizations that practice football-related activities in the territory
of operation of the LFF as well as their members and employees.
2.1.33. Disciplinary Code – the Disciplinary Code of the LFF.
2.1.34. Disciplinary Committee – the Disciplinary Committee of the LFF.
2.1.35. Disciplinary Bodies – the Disciplinary Committee of the LFF and the Appeal Committee
of the LFF.
2.1.36. COMET – an electronic information system administered by the LFF for the purpose of
simplifying administrative football procedures for the LFF and its Members. The COMET
system is used to register new Players, transfer current Players from one Club to another,
cancel the registration of Players in the Club or Team, submit information regarding
conclusion, termination or renewal of contracts with Club Players, register for the
competitions, championships or tournaments held by the LFF, submit information on
2.1.37.
2.1.38.
2.1.39.
2.1.40.
individual Players, file joint applications with the LFF, submit information about the Club
and handle various procedures on the day of the Match.
Third Party – a person or entity other than the 2 (two) Clubs participating in a Player’s
transfer or any other Club with which the Player had been previously registered.
Letter of Clearance – a written document of free form issued by a Player’s Former Club
and mandatory for the Player’s registration with the New Club in the cases set forth
hereinafter.
Transfer Contract – the agreement regulating the transfer of a Player from one Club to
another.
Loan Contract – the agreement on the transfer of rights for temporary registration of a
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Player.
2.2.
The terms used in the Regulations shall apply to natural persons of any sex. The terms used in
singular shall be valid when used in plural and vice versa.
2.3.
The terms not defined in the Regulations shall be interpreted as defined and/or explained in the
LFF Statute.
II.
3.
STATUS OF PLAYERS
Status of Players: Amateur and Professional Players
3.1.
The Players participating in Organized Football are either Amateurs or Professionals.
3.2.
A Player who has a Contract with a Club and is paid for the sporting activity at the Club is deemed
a Professional, i.e. a Player holding the status of a professional football Player, provided that the
remuneration is higher than the expenses he actually incurs for the same purpose. The
remuneration shall be deemed to exceed a Player’s actually incurred expenses related to his sporting
activity at the Club when it is no less than the minimum monthly wage payable in the Republic of
Lithuania. The remuneration shall be deemed to exceed a Minor Aged Player’s actually incurred
expenses related to his sporting activity at the Club when it is no less than half of the minimum
monthly wage payable in the Republic of Lithuania.
3.3.
Any disputes or disagreements arising from or in relation to identification of a Player’s status,
including the cases when a Player is transferred between Clubs, are analyzed and settled by the
Appeal Committee.
4.
Reacquisition of Amateur Status
4.1.
A Player registered as a Professional may not re-register as an Amateur earlier than at least 30
(thirty) days after his last match as a Professional.
4.2.
No compensation is payable upon reacquisition of Amateur status. If a Player re-registers as a
Professional within 30 (thirty) months of being reinstated as an Amateur, his New Club shall pay
Training Compensation in accordance with Article 24 of the Regulations.
5.
Conclusion and Registration of Contracts
5.1.
The shortest term of the Contract is the period starting on the day the Contract comes into force
and expiring at the end of the current Season. The longest term of the Contract is 5 (five) years.
The Players who are younger than 18 (eighteen) years of age cannot conclude Professional Player
Contracts for a term longer than 3 (three) years. In the event that a Contract is concluded for a
term which exceeds the limits defined herein, it shall be deemed that the term of such Contract is
the longest possible term as specified in this Paragraph.
5.2.
The validity of a Contract cannot be subject to a successful medical examination and/or the grant
of a work permit.
5.3.
Professional Player Contracts must comply with minimum requirements which are set forth in
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Annex 3 of the Regulations.
5.4.
All Contracts must be prepared in 3 (three) counterparts: one for the Player, one for the Club, and
one for the LFF.
5.5.
All annexes to the Contract must be prepared in 3 (three) counterparts: one for the Player, one for
the Club, and one for the LFF.
5.6.
Contracts and agreements entered into by and between the Clubs and Coaches shall be registered in
accordance with the procedure set forth hereinafter.
5.7.
In order to register a Contract, the Club must submit the following documents to the LFF within 5
(five) business days from the day of signing the Contract:
5.7.1.
A copy of the Player’s Contract and the relevant data to the COMET system based on its
requirements. The uploaded copies of the Contracts shall be viewed by a responsible
official of the LFF. If it was concluded correctly with no breaches of the applicable
requirements, the Contract shall be approved by the COMET system without any separate
notification. If there were any faults, the Contract shall be rejected and the Club shall be
notified by an e-mail or verbal notice.
5.7.2.
3 (three) original counterparts of the Contract (with all the amendments and/or
supplements). The counterparts of the Contract are then duly registered and subsequently
stamped by the LFF Contract Registrar within 7 (seven) business days. Two counterparts
of the registered Contract are returned to the Club, one for the Club and the other one for
the Player. The third counterpart of the registered Contract stays at the LFF and may be
forwarded to FIFA and/or UEFA upon their request.
5.8.
5.7.3.
A copy of the Player’s personal identification document.
5.7.4.
Other documents specified in the LFF rules and regulations.
3 (three) original counterparts of any amendments and/or supplements of the Contract must be
submitted by the Club to the LFF within 5 (five) business days from the day of signing. The
counterparts of the amendments and/or supplements of the Contract are then duly registered and
subsequently stamped by the LFF Contract Registrar within 7 (seven) business days. Upon receipt
of the registered counterparts of the amendments and/or supplements of the Contract, the Club
must present one to the Player and keep the second one, while the third counterpart stays at the
LFF and may be forwarded to FIFA and/or UEFA upon their request.
5.9.
The conclusion and registration of contracts with Coaches and their mutatis mutandis shall be subject
to the provisions regulating the making and registration of Contracts.
5.10. Registration of a Player’s Contract shall cost the Club EUR 60 payable to the LFF. The registration
fee for any annexes and additional agreements (amendments/ supplements) to the Contract shall be
EUR 30.
Registration of a Coach’s contract shall cost the Club EUR 30 payable to the LFF. The registration
fee for any annexes and additional agreements (amendments/ supplements) to the contract shall be
EUR 15.
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5.11. The document confirming payment of the registration fee shall be submitted along with a Player’s
Contract/ contract with a Coach or respective annexes or additional agreements (amendments/
supplements) being submitted for registration.
5.12. Registration of a temporary Transfer Contract shall cost a New Club EUR 30 payable to the LFF,
unless otherwise specified in the Contract.
5.13. The registration of a Player’s Contract or a contract with a Coach will not be initiated if the
mandatory documents are not submitted or are submitted in insufficient quantity.
5.14. The LFF has the right to refuse acknowledgement of Contracts with Players and contracts with
Coaches or their respective annexes, amendments and/or supplements if they are not registered
with the LFF. Unregistered Contracts with Players and contracts with Coaches along with their
respective annexes, amendments and/or supplements cannot be used against the LFF.
5.15. A Contract between a Club and a Professional transferred from another Club can be registered with
the LFF only upon receipt of the Transfer Contract, excluding the cases specified in the
Regulations.
5.16. Additional rules for the registration of Contracts, agreements with Coaches, their annexes,
amendments and/ or supplements may be set forth in the other rules and regulations adopted by
the LFF.
5.17. The LFF has the right to refuse the registration of a Contract, agreement with a Coach, its annexes,
additional agreements, amendments or supplements in the event that the Club fails to follow the
requirements set forth in the present Regulations and their annexes as well as other rules and
regulations adopted by the LFF.
5.18. In case the Contract or agreement with a Coach is terminated, the Club must serve the LFF the
notice of termination within 5 (five) business days.
6.
Termination of Activity
6.1.
Professionals who end their careers upon expiration of their Contracts and Amateurs who
terminate their activity shall remain registered at their last Club of the LFF for the period of 30
(thirty) months.
6.2.
The period specified in Paragraph 6.1 of the Regulations begins on the day the Player made his last
appearance for the Club in an Official Match.
III.
7.
REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS
Registration
7.1.
All Players must be registered with the LFF as either a Professional or an Amateur to play for a
Club. The Players are registered in the COMET system.
7.2.
Only registered Players have a right to participate in Organized Football.
7.3.
By the act of registering, the Player agrees to adhere to the LFF Statute, the Competition Rules of
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the LFF, the Disciplinary Code of the LFF, these Regulations, other documents of the LFF, the
FIFA and UEFA Statutes, and other related documents.
7.4.
A Player shall be registered by submitting his application to the LFF and uploading the said
application to the COMET system. In all cases, the Player must confirm his will to register.
7.5.
Having fulfilled the requirements set forth in Article 5.7.1 hereof, the registration application of a
Professional must be submitted alongside with 3 (three) original counterparts of his Contract, if the
Contract is yet to be registered with the LFF, or a copy of the Contract, if the Contract had been
previously registered with the LFF. The decision-making administrative employee of the LFF
responsible for the registration of Players then has to make the decision whether or not all the
documents have been duly submitted and whether or not the Player may be registered.
7.6.
A Player may only be registered with one Club at a time.
7.7.
A Professional transferring to a New Club before the expiration date of his Contract with the
Former Club may register with a New Club only on the condition that the Former Club provides
him with a Letter of Clearance. A Letter of Clearance is not required when the Contract is
terminated by mutual consent of the Professional and the Former Club as well as under any other
circumstances of Player’s transfer from the Former Club to a New Club.
7.8. If a Letter of Clearance is required for the Player to be registered with a New Club, the New Club
shall address the Former Club in writing requesting to either issue the Letter of Clearance or refuse
to issue it. The only reason entitling the Former Club to refuse the issue of the Letter of Clearance
is a still valid Contract between the Player and the Former Club. When the New Club receives the
Letter of Clearance and submits it to the LFF, the respective Player may be registered with the New
Club.
7.9. The Former Club shall serve a notice specified in Article 7.8 hereof to the New Club within 5 (five)
days.
7.10. If the Former Club fails to reply to the request of the New Club within the specified time frame,
the Player may be temporarily registered with the New Club. Temporary registration of a Player
shall become permanent 3 (three) months from the day of the Player’s registration with the New
Club, unless the temporary registration was canceled during as set forth in Article 7.11 hereinafter.
7.11. Temporary registration of a Player may be canceled by a decision of the Appeal Committee, if,
within 2 (two) months from the Player’s registration with the New Club, the Former Club provides
a proof of important reasons due to which it had missed the deadline set in Article 7.9 hereof for
serving a notice to the New Club regarding the Letter of Clearance for the Player in question, and if
it is determined that the Contract between the Player and the Former Club has not reached its
maturity date.
7.12. In case the Former Club refuses to issue the Letter of Clearance to the New Club, which results in
a dispute between the Former Club and the New Club and/or the Player, the Player and/or the
New Club may file a request with the Appeal Committee, which subsequently may allow to register
the Player with the New Club, provided that the Contract between the Player and the Former Club
has expired and/or has not been terminated by the Player without a just cause.
7.13. A Club may register no more than 20% (20 percent) of Players loaned from other Clubs (Article 11
of the Regulations), however, no more than 2 (two) Players can be loaned from one Club.
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7.14. Players may be registered with a maximum of 3 (three) Clubs during one Season. During this
period, the Player is only eligible to play Official Matches for two Clubs. As an exception to this
rule, a Player moving between two Clubs belonging to Associations with overlapping Seasons (i.e.
the Season starts in summer/ autumn rather than winter/ spring) may be eligible to play in Official
Matches for a third Club during the same Season, provided he has fully complied with his
contractual obligations towards his Former Clubs. In this case, the provisions related to the
Registration Periods and the minimum length of a Contract must be respected. Under all
circumstances, due consideration must be given to the sporting integrity of the Competition. A
Player may not play Official Matches for more than two Clubs participating in the same
Competition during the same Season.
7.15. Registration of the LFF Players in certain Clubs may be delegated to respective regional football
associations that are the Members of the LFF, which shall comply with the principles set forth in
the present Regulations and other requirements established by the LFF.
7.16. Additional Player registration rules may be stipulated in other regulations and provisions adopted
by the LFF.
8.
Registration Periods
8.1.
Players may only be registered during one of the two annual Registration Periods established by the
LFF. As an exception to this rule, a Professional whose Contract has expired prior to the end of a
Registration Period may be registered outside that Registration Period. The LFF registers such
Professionals on the condition that due consideration is given to the sporting integrity of the
relevant Competition. If a Contract has been terminated with a just cause, the LFF may take
provisional measures in order to avoid any possible abuse.
8.2.
The first Registration Period shall begin after the completion of the Season and shall normally end
before the new Season starts. This Registration Period may not exceed twelve weeks. The second
Registration Period shall normally occur in the middle of the Season and may not exceed four
weeks. The two Registration Periods for the Season shall be communicated to FIFA at least 12
months before they come into force. FIFA may determine the starting and ending dates for the
Registration Periods of the LFF in the event that the LFF fails to communicate the said dates to
FIFA on time.
8.3.
Players may only be registered upon submission of a valid application from the Club to the LFF
during a Registration Period, subject to the exceptions provided for in Article 8.1 of the
Regulations.
8.4.
The provisions concerning Registration Periods do not apply to the Competitions in which only
Amateurs participate. The LFF shall set the periods when Players may be registered for such
Competitions provided that due consideration is given to sporting integrity of the relevant
Competition.
8.5.
Any Player not registered with the LFF who appears for a Club in any Official Match shall be
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considered to have played illegitimately, and sanctions may be imposed on the Player and/or the
Club for the said violations.
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Restrictions on the Registration of Players
81.1. The LFF has the right to refuse to register a Player if the department of the LFF responsible for the
registration of Players believes that such registration and/or participation of the Player in Club
activities may violate or negatively influence the reputation and integrity of the respective Club,
LFF, Competition of the LFF, other Clubs participating in the Competition of the LFF or football
itself as a branch of sports.
82.1. Appeals against the decision of the department of the LFF responsible for the registration of Players
to refuse to register the respective Player may be lodged within 7 (seven) days from the day the
Club was informed of the respective decision. The Appeals shall be filed with the Executive
Committee of the LFF, which will hear the appeal during its next session.
83.1. Having heard the appeal, the Executive Committee of the LFF may approve of the decision to
refuse to register the respective Player or to revoke such decision and permit the registration of the
Player pursuant to the rules on registration of the Players set forth hereinafter. The decision passed
by the Executive Committee of the LFF shall be final.
9.
Player’s Passport
9.1.
The LFF presents the Player’s passport with the relevant information about the Player to the Club
with which the Player is registered.
9.2.
A Player’s passport shall indicate the Club (or Clubs) with which the Player has been registered
since his twelfth birthday. If a Player’s birthday falls between the Seasons, the Player’s passport shall
indicate the Club with which he was registered for the Season following his birthday.
10.
Transfer of Rights to Player’s Registration
10.1. If a Club wishes to transfer the rights to the registration of a Professional to another Club, a
Transfer Contract must be concluded.
10.2. Transfer Contracts as well as all their supplements and/or changes must be prepared in writing and
confirmed by the signatures of the Professional and authorized representatives of the Clubs. They
must also bear the stamps of the Clubs.
10.3. A Transfer Contract between two Clubs may be concluded only under Professional Player’s
consent, i.e. only if all the three Parties: the Professional, the Club with which the Professional is
currently registered, and the Club which intends to obtain the rights to the Player’s registration
agree regarding the transfer of the rights to the Player’s registration.
10.4. Transfer Contracts must be registered with the LFF. For this purpose, 3 (three) original
counterparts of the Transfer Contract (including all the supplements and/or amendments, if any)
must be served to the LFF. The counterparts of the Transfer Contract are then duly registered and
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subsequently stamped by the LFF Contract Registrar within 7 (seven) business days.
10.5. A copy of the Transfer Contract stays at the LFF and may be forwarded to FIFA and/or UEFA
upon their request.
10.6. The LFF retains the right to refuse to register a Transfer Contract as well as its supplements or
amendments in the event that the Clubs fail to follow the requirements defined in the present
Regulations.
11.
Temporary Transfer of Rights to the Registration of a Player – Loan
11.1. The rights to the registration of a Professional may be transferred to another Club for a temporary
period of time on the basis of a Loan Contract.
11.2. Any transfer of the rights for temporary registration (i.e. loan) of a Player is subject to the same
rules that apply to the transfer of Professionals between Clubs, including the provisions on Training
Compensation and Solidarity Mechanism.
11.3. Loan Contracts as well as all their supplements and/or changes must be prepared in writing and
confirmed by the signatures of the Professional and authorized representatives of the Clubs. They
must also bear the stamps of the Clubs.
11.4. A Loan Contract between two Clubs may be concluded only under Professional Player’s consent,
i.e. only if all the three Parties: the Professional, the Club with which the Professional is currently
registered, and the Club which intends to obtain the rights to the Player’s temporary registration
(i.e. loan) agree regarding the Player’s loan.
11.5. Loan Contracts must be registered with the LFF. For this purpose, 3 (three) original counterparts
of the Loan Contract (including all the supplements and/or amendments, if any) must be served to
the LFF. The counterparts of the Loan Contract are then duly registered and subsequently stamped
by the LFF Contract Registrar within 7 (seven) business days.
11.6. A copy of the Loan Contract stays at the LFF and may be forwarded to FIFA and/or UEFA upon
their request.
11.7. The LFF retains the right to refuse to register a Loan Contract as well as its supplements or
amendments in the event that the Clubs fail to follow the requirements defined in the present
Regulations.
11.8. The minimum period for a loan of a Player shall be the time between two Registration Periods.
11.9. The Club that has accepted a Player on a loan basis has no right to transfer him to the third Club
without a written authorization from the Club that released the Player on loan and the consent of
the Player concerned.
12.
Overdue Payables
12.1. Clubs shall fulfill their financial obligations with respect to their Players and other Clubs in
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Contracts or Transfer Contracts signed
with the respective Professionals.
12.2. Any payments by a Club that have been delayed for more than 30 (thirty) days without a just cause
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12.3.
12.4.
12.5.
12.6.
12.7.
12.8.
12.9.
IV.
13.
as defined in the Contract shall result in the sanctions set forth in Article 12.4 hereinafter.
In terms of application of the provisions set forth herein, a Cub shall be deemed to have overdue
payables, if a creditor (a Player or Club) had served the Club a written notice of debt with a term
for payment of no less than 10 (ten) days.
In accordance with the Disciplinary Code, the following sanctions may be imposed on the Club
that has past due financial obligations:
12.4.1. caution
12.4.2. reprimand
12.4.3. fine
12.4.4. prohibition to register new Players for the entire Registration Period or two consecutive
Registration Periods.
The Sanctions set forth in Article 12.4 hereof may be consolidated.
Repeated breach of this Article is deemed an aggravating circumstance and may result in the Club
becoming subject to stricter sanctions.
Imposition of the sanction specified in Article 12.4.4 hereof may be postponed. If prohibition to
register new Players is postponed, the Disciplinary Committee shall set a postponement term for
the Club, which may range from 6 (six) months to 2 (two) years.
If the Club that was prohibited to register new Players and the prohibition was postponed breaches
another Article of the present Regulations within the period of postponement, the postponement
of the sanction shall be canceled and the sanction shall be immediately applied. The postponed
sanction shall be consolidated with the sanction imposed for the new breach of the Regulations.
The provisions set forth herein shall in no way influence the decisions regarding sanctions for
termination of Contracts without a just cause, as stipulated in Article 17 hereinafter.
MAINTENANCE OF CONTRACTUAL STABILITY
Respect of Contract
13.1. A Contract between a Professional and a Club may only be terminated upon expiry of the term of
the Contract or by mutual agreement.
14.
Terminating a Contract with Just Cause
14.1.
A Party may terminate the Contract with just cause without any consequences arising out of such
termination (e.g., obligation to pay a compensation or imposition of sporting sanctions).
15.
Terminating a Contract with Sporting Just Cause
15.1. A Professional who has appeared in fewer than 10% (ten percent) of the Official Matches in which
his Club has been involved in the course of a Season may terminate his Contract prematurely on
the grounds of sporting just cause.
15.2. The existence of a sporting just cause shall be analyzed and ascertained on a case-by-case basis.
15.3. In case of termination of a Contract with sporting just cause, sporting sanctions shall not be
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imposed on the Player; however, the Player may be obliged to pay compensation to the Club.
15.4. A Professional may terminate his Contract on the basis described herein only within the period of
15 (fifteen) days following the last Official Match of the Season of the Club with which the Player is
registered.
16.
Restriction on Terminating a Contract during the Season
16.1. A Contract cannot be unilaterally terminated during the course of a Season, except when there is a
just cause to terminate the Contract, or when the Contract is terminated by mutual agreement
between the Professional and the Club.
17.
Consequences of Terminating a Contract without Just Cause
17.1. The following provisions apply if a Contract is terminated without just cause:
17.1.1. In all cases, the party in breach of the Contract shall pay compensation. The compensation
for the breach shall be calculated with due consideration of the legal norms of the Republic
of Lithuania, the particularity of football as a sport, and any other objective criteria,
including but not limited to the remuneration and other benefits payable to the Player
under the existing Contract and/or the new Contract, the time remaining on the existing
Contract, the fees and expenses paid or incurred by the Former Club (amortized during the
term of the Contract) and whether the date of the Contract termination falls within the
Protected Period.
17.1.2. Entitlement to compensation cannot be assigned to a Third Party. If a Professional is
required to pay compensation, the Professional and his New Club shall be jointly and
severally liable for the payment. The amount may be specified in the Contract or agreed
between the Parties.
17.1.3. In addition to the obligation to pay compensation, sporting sanctions shall also be imposed
on any Professional terminating his Contract during the Protected Period. This sanction
shall be a 4 (four) month restriction on playing in Official Matches. In the case of
aggravating circumstances, the restriction shall last for 6 (six) months. In all cases, these
sporting sanctions shall take effect from the start of the following Season at the New Club.
17.1.4. In addition to the obligation to pay compensation, sporting sanctions shall be imposed on
any Club found to be in breach of Contract or found to be inducing a breach of Contract
during the Protected Period. It shall be presumed, unless established to the contrary, that
any Club signing a Contract with a Professional who has terminated his Contract without
just cause has induced that Professional to commit a breach. The Club shall be thus banned
from registering any new players for 1 (one) Registration Period.
17.1.5. Any persons subject to the Disciplinary Code who act with an intention to induce a breach
of contract between a Professional and a Club in order to facilitate the transfer of the
Player shall be sanctioned.
12
18.
Special Provisions Relating to Contracts between Professionals and Clubs
18.1. If a Professional’s agent or Club’s representative is involved in the negotiation of a Contract, such
agent shall be identified in the Contract.
18.2. A Club intending to conclude a Contract with a Professional must inform the Player’s current Club
in writing before entering into negotiations with him. A Professional shall only be free to conclude
a contract with another Club if his Contract with his present Club has expired or is due to expire
within 6 (six) months. Certain sanctions may be imposed for infringement of the provisions herein.
18.3. If a Professional enters into more than one Contract covering the same period, then the provisions
set forth in Chapter IV of the Regulations shall apply.
19.
Third-Party Influence on Clubs
19.1. No Club shall enter into a contract which enables any other party to that contract or any Third Party
to acquire the ability to influence the Club’s independence and its policy in employment- and
transfer-related matters, or the performance of the Teams of such a Club.
19.2. The Disciplinary Committee may impose sanctions on the Clubs which do not observe the
obligations specified herein.
20.
V.
21.
Third-Party Ownership of the Players’ Economic Rights
20.1. No Club or Player has the right to enter into any contracts with Third Parties entitling the Third
Party to receive all or part of the compensation related to the Player’s transfer from one Club to
another, or to acquire any rights related to the future transfer of the Player from one Club to
another, or the transfer compensation of such a Player.
20.2. The breach of the provisions set forth herein shall be subject to the sanctions stipulated in the
Disciplinary Code.
INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS INVOLVING MINORS
Protection of Minors
21.1. International transfers of Players are permitted if the Player is over 18 (eighteen) years of age.
21.2. If the Player is under 18 (eighteen) years of age, international transfer of such a Player from one
Club to another is permitted only in under the following circumstances:
21.2.1. when the Player’s parents move to the country in which the New Club is located for
reasons not related to football; or
21.2.2. the transfer takes place within the territory of the European Union (EU) or European
Economic Area (EEA), and the Player is aged between 16 (sixteen) and 18 (eighteen). In
this case, the New Club must fulfill the following minimum obligations:
21.2.2.1. it shall provide the Player with an adequate football education and/or training in
13
line with the highest national standards;
21.2.2.2. it shall guarantee the Player an academic and/or school and/or vocational
education and/or training, in addition to his football education and/or training,
which would allow the Player to pursue a career other than football should he
cease playing professional football;
21.2.2.3. it shall make all necessary arrangements to ensure that the Player is looked after in
the best possible way (optimal living standards with a host family or in an
accommodation provided by the Club, appointment of a mentor at the Club, etc.).
21.2.2.4. when registering such a Player, it shall provide the LFF with proof that the
aforementioned requirements have been fulfilled.
21.2.3. The Player lives no further than 50 km from the national border and the Club with which
the Player wishes to be registered in the neighboring Association is also within 50 km of
that border. The maximum distance between the Player’s domicile and the Club’s
headquarters shall be 100 km. In such cases, the Player must continue residing at home and
the two Associations concerned must give their explicit consent.
21.3. The provisions of this Article of the Regulations shall also apply to any Player who has never
previously been registered with a Club and is not a national of the country in which he wishes to be
registered for the first time.
21.4. Every international transfer involving Minors and every registration carried out in accordance with
Article 21.3 must be approved by the FIFA Sub-Committee appointed by the FIFA Players’ Status
Committee and acting in accordance with the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of
Players.
22.
Providing Information on Minor Players in the Academies and Their Registration
22.1. The Clubs that govern the Academy legally, financially or de facto must provide the LFF with the
information on the Minors attending the Academy, indicating the data specified in Article 22.3.
22.2. All Academies that are not governed by any Club legally, financially or practically must:
a.
have a Club which would participate in certain national championships; provide the LFF
with the information about all the Players of the Academy separately or when registering
the Players with the LFF together with the Club;
b.
provide information about the Minors who attend the Academy with the purpose of
training.
22.3. The LFF is the manager of the registry which contains the first names, family names and dates of
births of all the registered Minors.
22.4. By providing information about minor Players, Academies and Players undertake to engage in
football-related activities and act in accordance with the FIFA and UEFA Statutes as well as the
Articles of Association of the LFF, and to respect and promote the moral principles of Organized
Football.
14
22.5. The Disciplinary Committee shall be competent to decide regarding any violation of the provisions
stipulated in this Chapter and may impose appropriate sanctions according to the Disciplinary
Code.
VII. RELEASE OF PLAYERS TO NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAMS
23.
Obligation to Release Players to National Football Teams
23.1. The Clubs are obligated to release their registered Players who are citizens of the Republic of
Lithuania when they are called up by the LFF to play for the Lithuanian national football team
under any age group or category and to prepare for the respective Matches of the national team,
irrespective of the type of the Match or its scheduled playing time.
23.2. The Club shall fulfill the obligation of Article 23.1 hereof in all cases when a Player is called up by
the LFF, irrespective of the time of the call-up or the duration for which the Player shall play in the
national team.
23.3. The Club shall release the respective Player at the time indicated in the call-up by the LFF and for
the duration necessary to prepare and participate in the respective Matches that the national team
will be playing in.
23.4. The called-up Player shall respond positively to the call-up and arrive to the respective Lithuanian
national football team at the time and for the duration indicated by the LFF. The Player may refuse
to respond to the call-up only due to reasons of high importance.
23.5. To coordinate the interests of the Clubs and the LFF in regard to the call-up of the Players to the
Lithuanian national football teams in cases and for periods other than the ones defined by the
FIFA, the LFF may consult the Clubs and allocate certain compensations, this way covering any
losses caused to the Clubs due to the call-up of their Players in cases and for periods other than the
ones defined by the FIFA.
23.6. Any agreements between a Club and a Player in conflict with the provisions set forth herein and/or
restricting the Player’s possibilities to participate in the Lithuanian national football team are
prohibited.
23.7. Infringement of the rules and prohibitions laid out herein may result in certain sanctions set forth in
the Disciplinary Code.
VII. TRAINING COMPENSATION AND SOLIDARITY MECHANISM
24.
Training Compensation
24.1. Training Compensation shall be paid to a Player’s training Club (s):
24.1.1. when a Player signs his first Contract as a Professional until the end of the Season of his
23rd (twenty-third) birthday, and
24.1.2. each time a Professional is transferred until the end of the Season of his 23rd (twenty-third)
birthday.
24.2. The provisions concerning Training Compensation are set forth in Annex 1 of these Regulations.
25.
Solidarity Mechanism
15
25.1. If a Professional is transferred before the expiry of his Contract, any Club that has contributed to
his education and training shall receive a proportion of the compensation paid to his Former Club
(solidarity contribution).
25.2. The provisions concerning solidarity contributions are set out in Annex 2 of these Regulations.
VIII. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
26.
Dispute Resolution
26.1. All disputes arising from or in relation to Contracts or sporting activities (employment-related
matters) may be filed for settlement with a court of general jurisdiction or the Appeal Committee of
the LFF, as chosen by the claiming party and complying with the requirements of the LFF.
26.2. The disputes other than stipulated in Article 26.1., including but not limited to Training
Compensations and the Solidarity Mechanism, can only be filed for settlement with the Appeal
Committee of the LFF and complying with the requirements of the LFF.
IX. FINAL PROVISIONS
27.
Matters not Provided for
27.1. The matters not provided for in these Regulations shall be assessed and decided by the LFF
Executive Committee the decisions of which are final.
28.
Interpretation of the Regulations
28.1. When applying the rules contained herein they are interpreted considering the system and structure
of the present Regulations in order to ensure the integrity of the Regulations as well as the
structural compatibility of their constituent parts.
28.2. When defining the factual significance of the applied provision of the Regulations, the goals and
objectives of these Regulations and the interpreted provision are taken into consideration.
28.3. When interpreting the provisions of these Regulations, the regulations set forth in the FIFA
Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players are taken into consideration.
29.
Enforcement
29.1. These Regulations come into force as of the 10th day of March 2016.
29.2. Any dispute or case filed for settlement with the LFF before these Regulations have come into force
shall be interpreted and assessed according to the previously effective rules approved by FIFA and
the LFF.
29.3. All the occurrences taking place after these Regulations have come into force shall be interpreted
and assessed according to these Regulations.
16
In Kaunas on this 10th day of March 2016
On behalf of the LFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Edvinas Eimontas
Nerijus Dunauskas
President of the LFF
General Secretary of the LFF
17
ANNEX 1
TRAINING COMPENSATION
1.
Payment of Training Compensation
1.1. A Player’s training and education takes place between the ages of 12 and 23. Training Compensation
shall be payable up to the age of 23 for the training gained up to the age of 21, unless it gets proved
that a Player had already terminated his training period before the age of 21. In the latter case, Training
Compensation shall be payable until the end of the Season in which the Player reaches the age of 23,
but the calculation of the amount payable shall be based on the years between the age of 12 and the
age when it was established that the Player actually completed his training.
1.2. The obligation to pay Training Compensation makes no influence on any obligations to pay
compensation for a breach/ termination of Contract.
1.3. Training Compensation is payable to the Club(s) which trained the Player when:
1.3.1.
a Player is registered for the first time as a Professional until the end of the Season of his 23rd
(twenty-third) birthday; or
1.3.2.
a Professional is transferred between two Clubs under the jurisdiction of the LFF until the end of
the Season of his 23rd birthday.
1.4. Training Compensation is not payable when:
1.4.1.
the Former Club terminates the Player’s Contract without just cause (without prejudice to the rights
of the previous Clubs); or
1.4.2.
the Player is transferred to a Category 4 club; or
1.4.3.
a Professional reacquires Amateur status upon being transferred between the Clubs, except for the
exceptions stipulated in the Regulations.
1.5. In the event that all the parties of a Contract (the Player, the Former Club and the New Club to which
the Player is being transferred) agree on the transfer of rights to the Player’s registration (i.e. transfer)
while the Contract is in effect, the amount of Training Compensation payable to the Former Club shall
be deemed included in the compensation payable according to the Player’s Transfer Contract, unless
agreed otherwise by the Parties.
1.6. In case a Player is transferred to a New Club and signs a Contract, the disagreements or disputes
between the two Clubs regarding the Training Compensation or its payment terms should in no way
influence the sporting activity of the Player and be in no way related to the fulfillment of the Player’s
and the Club’s obligations set forth in the Contract.
2. Responsibility to Pay Training Compensation
2.1. When a Player is registered as a Professional for the first time, the Club with which the Player is
registered is responsible for paying Training Compensation to every Club with which the Player has
previously been registered (in accordance with the Players’ career history as provided in the Player’s
passport) and that has contributed to his training starting from the Season of his 12th birthday. The
18
amount payable is calculated on a pro rata basis according to the period of training that the Player
spent with each Club.
2.2. In the case of subsequent transfers of the Professional, Training Compensation will only be payable to
his Former Club for the time he was effectively trained by that Club.
2.3. In both cases set forth in Article 2.1 and Article 2.2, the deadline for payment of Training
Compensation is 30 calendar days after the registration of the Professional with the New Club.
2.4. If the Player is registered with a Club as a Professional for the first time and no relation between the
Professional and any of the Clubs that trained him can be established within 30 days from the
registration of the Professional with the Club, the entire due Training Compensation shall be paid to
the LFF no later than 40 days from the registration of the Professional with the New Club. If the
Clubs that have trained the Player do not make themselves known within 12 months of the Player’s
registration with the New Club, the Training Compensation shall belong to the LFF and shall be
reserved for youth football development programs of the LFF.
2.5. These conditions do not apply and Training Compensations are not payable to institutions, schools
and legal entities established by the State, or a municipality, or their branches or agencies. In this case,
the Training Compensation shall be paid to the LFF and shall be reserved for youth football
development programs of the LFF.
2.6. If a Player has been trained by the legal entities specified in Article 2.5 hereof, the Club is entitled to
the Training Compensation when:
2.6.1. there was a valid cooperation agreement or contract of similar nature between the Club and the
legal entity that trained the Player during the respective period of training specified in Article 2.5
hereof, and the legal entity specified in Article 2.5 hereof had undertaken to train the Players for
the benefit of and/or on behalf of the Club, and the Club had undertaken to contribute to the
training of the Players using methods and measures set forth in the Players’ training agreements;
2.6.2. The Club fulfilled its obligations related to the training of the Players during the respective
training period in accordance with the agreement specified in Article 2.6.1 hereof.
3. Training Costs and Calculation of Training Compensation
3.1. In order to calculate the payable Training Compensation, the LFF divides the Clubs into categories
based on the Clubs’ financial investment into the training of Players. The training costs are set for each
category and correspond to the amount needed to train one Player for one year.
3.2. The training costs for each category of Clubs as well as the criteria on the basis of which the Clubs are
divided into the categories are approved by the decision of the LFF Executive Committee. The
decision becomes an integral part of these Regulations on the day of its approval.
3.3. To calculate the Training Compensation payable to a Player’s Former Club (s), it is necessary to take
the costs that would have been incurred by the New Club if it had trained the Player itself.
Accordingly, the first time a Player registers as a Professional, the Training Compensation payable is
calculated by taking the training costs of the New Club multiplied by the number of years of training.
19
In the case of subsequent transfers, Training Compensation is calculated based on the training costs of
the New Club multiplied by the number of years of training with the Former Club.
4. Disciplinary Measures
4.1. The Disciplinary Committee may impose disciplinary measures on the Clubs or Players who do not
observe the obligations set forth in this Annex. The disciplinary measures are stipulated in the
Disciplinary Code.
4.2. The Disciplinary Committee has a right to request that the Clubs serve all the documents associated
with the Training Compensation in order to prove the accuracy of the calculation of the payable
amount, and/or any other necessary documents.
20
ANNEX 2
SOLIDARITY MECHANISM
1.
1.1.
Solidarity Contribution
If a Professional moves to a New Club during the course of a Contract, 5% of any compensation, not
including Training Compensation paid to his Former Club, shall be deducted from the total amount of
this compensation and distributed by the New Club as a solidarity contribution to the Club (s) involved in
his training and education. This solidarity contribution reflects the number of years (calculated pro rata if
less than one year) he was registered with the relevant Club (s) between the Seasons of his 12th and 23rd
birthdays, as follows:
– Season of 12th birthday: 5% (i.e. 0.25% of total compensation)
– Season of 13th birthday: 5% (i.e. 0.25% of total compensation)
– Season of 14th birthday: 5% (i.e. 0.25% of total compensation)
– Season of 15th birthday: 5% (i.e. 0.25% of total compensation)
– Season of 16th birthday: 10% (i.e. 0.5% of total compensation)
– Season of 17th birthday: 10% (i.e. 0.5% of total compensation)
– Season of 18th birthday: 10% (i.e. 0.5% of total compensation)
– Season of 19th birthday: 10% (i.e. 0.5% of total compensation)
– Season of 20th birthday: 10% (i.e. 0.5% of total compensation)
– Season of 21st birthday: 10% (i.e. 0.5% of total compensation)
– Season of 22nd birthday: 10% (i.e. 0.5% of total compensation)
– Season of 23rd birthday: 10% (i.e. 0.5% of total compensation)
2.
2.1.
Payment Procedure
The New Club shall pay the solidarity contribution to the training Club (s) pursuant to the above
provisions no later than 30 days after the Player’s registration or, in case of contingent payments, 30 days
after the date of such payments.
2.2.
It is the responsibility of the New Club to calculate the amount of the solidarity contribution and to
distribute it in accordance with the Player’s career history as provided in the Player’s passport. The Player
shall, if necessary, assist the New Club in carrying out this obligation.
2.3.
If no relation between the Professional and any of the Clubs that trained him can be established within 30
days from the registration of the Professional with the New Club, the respective solidarity contribution
shall be paid to the LFF no later than 40 days from the registration of the Professional with the New
Club. If the Clubs that have trained the Player do not make themselves known within 12 months of the
Player’s registration with the New Club, the solidarity contribution shall belong to the LFF. This
compensation shall be reserved for youth football development programs of the LFF.
2.4.
These conditions do not apply and solidarity contributions are not payable to institutions, schools and
legal entities established by the State, or a municipality, or their branches or agencies. In this case, the
21
solidarity contribution shall be paid to the LFF and shall be reserved for youth football development
programs of the LFF.
2.5.
The Disciplinary Committee may impose the disciplinary measures set forth in the Disciplinary Code on
Clubs that do not observe the obligations set out in this Annex.
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ANNEX 3
MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS
FOR
CONTRACTS
BETWEEN
PROFESSIONALS
AND
FOOTBALL CLUBS
All sports contracts between Professionals and football Clubs shall comply with the minimum requirements
stipulated below.
Definitions:
i.
Contract – sports contract
ii.
Player – a professional athlete/ football player
iii.
Club – a sports organization, i.e. football club, with the status of a legal entity
1.
GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE CONTRACT
1.1
The Contract shall be concluded in writing, duly signed by the authorized representative of the Club
and the Player. In the event that one of the parties is a Minor Player under 14 (fourteen) years of age,
the parents (one of them)/foster parents (one of them)/guardian shall also sign the Contract. In the
event that one of the parties is a Minor Player between 14 (fourteen) and 18 (eighteen) years of age, the
parents (one of them)/foster parents (one of them)/guardian shall also sign the Contract.
1.2
The Contract shall also include the place and date of its signing.
1.3
The Contract shall be prepared in 3 (three) counterparts: one for the Club, one for the Player and one
for the LFF.
1.4
The Contract shall state the first name, family name, date of birth, personal number, citizenship and
full address of the place of residence of the Player. In case of a Minor, the corresponding data of the
parent/ foster parent/guardian signing the Contract shall also be specified.
1.5
The Contract shall state the full legal name of the Club, its enterprise number and registered office
address as well as the first name, family name and address of the person who is legally representing the
Club.
1.6
The Contract can only be concluded by a Club or a football company as it is defined in the Club
Licensing Rules of the LFF, when such a company or Club is the applicant for a license, a direct or
indirect Member of the LFF and is registered according to the rules of the LFF. No other legal entity
may enter into a Contract, unless a written permission is given by a competent body of the LFF.
1.7
If applicable, the Contract shall also indicate the data and the role of other persons involved in the
negotiations or conclusion of the Contract (e.g. parents/foster parents/guardians, authorized
representative, agent, interpreter, etc.).
1.8
The terms used in the Contract shall be duly explained and defined. The terms not defined in the
contract have the meanings consistent with the definition of such terms in the FIFA and UEFA
Statutes and regulations and/or the LFF rules.
1.9
The Contract shall govern the relationship between the Player and the Club for the purpose of the
23
Player carrying out sporting activities for the benefit of the Club.
1.10 The Contract shall stipulate all the rights and obligations of the Player and the Club. No other
agreement between the Player and the Club may regulate their legal relationship with regards to the
professional sporting activities of the Player in the Club, unless such an agreement is concluded after
the signing of the Contract, contains a clear reference to the Contract and is deemed an integral and
inseparable part of the Contract. The conclusion of the agreement defined herein as mutatis mutandis is
subject to the same requirements as the Contract.
2
CONTRACT TERM AND TERMINATION
2.1
The Contract shall stipulate a clear term of validity, i.e. the starting date and the expiration date.
2.2
The Contract shall set forth equal rights of the Club and Player to renew and/or to terminate the
Contract prematurely. The Contract may be terminated prematurely only in cases of just cause and/or
other grounds stipulated in legal acts, the LFF and/or FIFA rules.
3
OBLIGATIONS OF THE CLUB
3.1
The Contract shall set forth clear financial obligations of the Club in terms of the Player and their
procedure.
3.2
The Contract shall define the exact amounts, terms of payment, currency that the payments are made
in and the method of payment.
3.3
The Contract shall define the financial impact in case of certain circumstances causing major changes
to the revenue of the Club (e.g. demotion to a lower league or promotion to a higher league).
3.4
The Contract shall outline the terms and conditions on the payment of taxes pursuant to the governing
law.
3.5
The Contract shall define the Club’s obligation to ensure the proper conditions for the Player to
prepare and participate in the Matches of the Club Team.
3.6
In case of Minor Players under the age of 18 (eighteen) years old, the Contract shall clearly outline the
Club’s obligations to ensure that the Player has the right to continue his education and acquire
secondary education.
3.7
The Contract shall define the Club’s obligation to grant paid vacation to the Player. The minimum
paid vacation shall be 4 (four) weeks in each 12 (twelve) month period. Periods of paid vacation shall
be agreed on by the Club and the Player; however, it shall be scheduled outside the regular football
season. The Club must ensure that the Player takes 2 (two) consecutive weeks of vacation at least once.
3.8
The Contract shall include the Club’s obligation to ensure the protection of human rights (e.g. right of
free expression of the Player, freedom of speech, non-discrimination, etc.).
3.9
The Contract shall explain and outline the health and safety policy of the Club in terms of the Player.
The Club shall ensure insurance coverage for the Player in case of illness or accident, insurance
coverage in case of regular medical/ dental care and ensure that the required medical/dental treatment
is provided if such arose due to the Player carrying out his professional duties for the benefit of the
24
Club. By signing the Contract, the Club also undertakes to make every effort to ensure anti-doping
prevention.
3.10 The Contract shall also regulate the keeping of proper records on injuries of the Players and ensure
their confidentiality.
3.11 By signing the Contract, the Club undertakes to ensure the protection and confidentiality of any
personal data of the Player as well as the information on his health and injuries.
4
OBLIGATIONS OF THE PLAYER
4.1
The Contract stipulates the following obligations of the Player towards the Club:
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.1.5
4.1.6
4.1.7
To play the Matches to the best of his ability;
To follow the instructions of his supervisor (e.g. Coach) when participating in training sessions
and Match preparations;
To lead a healthy lifestyle and maintain high standard of fitness;
To comply with and act in accordance with the reasonable and substantiated instructions of the
Club Officials;
To participate in the sporting and commercial events of the Club;
To obey to the internal rules of the Club, which have been duly introduced to him before
signing the Contract;
To behave in a sporting manner with respect to the people involved in Matches and training
sessions, to learn and observe the laws of the game and to accept decisions of Match Officials;
4.1.8
To abstain from participating in football activities other than the ones indicated by the Club as
well as from potentially dangerous activities that may cause harm to the Player without prior
permission of the Club;
4.1.9 To take care of the Club’s property and to return it after the expiration of the Contract;
4.1.10 To immediately notify the Club in case of illness or accident; to refrain from any medical
treatment without prior notification to the Club’s doctor (except in emergencies); to provide a
certificate of the medical leave of absence if the Player is unable to fulfill his contractual
obligations due to health problems;
4.1.11 To undergo regular medical examination and medical treatment upon request of the Club’s
doctor;
4.1.12 To comply with the provisions of anti-discrimination policy of the FIFA, UEFA, and/or LFF,
and/or the Club;
4.1.13 To abstain from the actions that could damage the reputation of the Club and/ or football in
general;
4.1.14 To abstain from gambling or other related activities within football.
4.2 The Contract shall establish that Player has a right to get a second opinion from an independent
medical specialist in case he disagrees with the opinion of the Club’s specialist. If the opinions of the
two specialists turn out to be different, the Contract shall establish that the Parties agree to accept an
independent third opinion which will be binding to both the Club and the Player.
5
IMAGE RIGHTS
5.1
The Club and the Player shall agree regarding the handling of the Player’s image rights in the Contract.
25
6
LOAN
6.1
The Player may be loaned to another Club only if there is an agreement between the Player and the
Club regarding the Player’s loaning to another Club. The loaning procedure must comply with the
applicable FIFA, UEFA and/or LFF rules.
7
INTERNAL DISCIPLINARY RULES OF THE CLUB
7.1
The Contract shall establish the Player’s obligation to follow the internal disciplinary rules of the Club.
The internal disciplinary rules of the Club shall apply to the Player only if the rules have been explained
to him by the Club before signing the Contract or if the Player agreed to follow such rules after the
signing of the Contract. The Club shall establish the internal disciplinary rules in writing and shall
clearly stipulate the provisions on the Club’s internal regulations and work planning, disciplinary
penalties, sanctions and the procedure of their application. The Club has to explain the rules and their
significance to the Player.
7.2
If the Player violates any of the contractual obligations, the Club may impose a range of penalties,
depending on the severity of the offence, according to the internal disciplinary rules of the Club
and/or the Contract.
7.3
In cases of disciplinary offences, the Player has the right to be accompanied/ represented by the Club
captain or a union representative chosen by the Player. The Player also has the right to lodge appeals
against the Club’s decisions regarding the disciplinary offences and any imposed sanctions.
8
ANTI-DOPING
8.1
By signing the Contract, the Player and the Club undertake to comply with all relevant Anti-Doping
Regulations.
8.2
The Contract may establish the Club’s right to impose additional sanctions or take other actions in
regard to the Player found guilty of doping practices.
9
NON-RACISM AND NON-DISCRIMINATION
9.1
By signing the Contract, the Player and the Club undertake to refrain from any racist or discriminating
actions and to prevent any such racism and discrimination in football.
10
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
10.1 All Contracts shall specify that any disputes between the Parties arising from or in relation with the
Contract shall be settled according to the procedure established by the LFF, whereas in the cases
specified in the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, the disputes shall be subject to
the provisions of the said FIFA Regulations.
11
GOVERNING LAW
26
11.1 All Contracts shall specify the governing law according to which the Contract is concluded and
interpreted.
11.2 The Parties cannot decide upon governing law the application of which would put the Player in an
unfavorable legal position compared to the laws of the Republic of Lithuania.
12
FOOTBALL REGULATIONS
12.1 The Contract shall clearly establish that the Club and the Player must comply with the Statutes and
Rules of the FIFA, UEFA and LFF.
12.2 The Contact shall clearly stipulate that the Statutes and Rules of the FIFA, UEFA and LFF that may
change from time to time are an integral part of the Contract.
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FINAL PROVISIONS
13.1 The Contract may stipulate a confidentiality clause.
13.2 The Contract shall list all of its annexes that are deemed an integral part of the Contract. All annexes to
the Contract shall be signed by the Player and the Club.
13.3 In the event that the Contract is prepared in several languages and there are discrepancies between
such versions, it shall be clearly stipulated which of the versions has the priority over the others.
13.4 The Contract shall establish that if one of the provisions of the Contract is deemed void, this shall not
affect the remaining part of the Contract.
13.5 The Contract shall establish that any changes or supplements to the Contract are valid only if made in
writing.
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EXCEPTIONS
14.1 The Clubs and the Players may deviate from the minimum requirements applicable to Contracts,
however, only in such cases where such a change improves the position of the Player compared to the
one he would be placed under when complying with the minimum requirements.
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ANNEX 4
LOAN CONTRACT TEMPLATE
(Date and place of signing the Contract)
This agreement on Player’s temporary transfer (hereinafter referred to as Loan Contract) is made and entered
into by and between:
(Football Club, enterprise number, registered office address), represented by (first name and family name of the authorized
representative) (hereinafter referred to as the Transferring Club),
(Football Club, enterprise number, registered office address), represented by (first name and family name of the authorized
representative) (hereinafter referred to as the Accepting Club), and
Player (first name, family name, date of birth, citizenship) (hereinafter referred to as the Player).
The Parties hereby mutually agree as follows:
Article 1. PLAYER’S LOAN
1.1. The Transferring Club, having a full consent of the Player, hereby agrees to transfer the Player on loan basis
from the Transferring Club to the Accepting Club for the time period starting on the …..day of ……….of the
year ….. till the .......day of …………of the year……. (hereinafter referred to as the Loan Period).
1.2. The Accepting Club shall not pay (shall pay) the loan in the amount of EUR ______ () per month to the
Transferring Club. The Accepting Club undertakes to initiate the payment within 30 days from the receipt of the
invoice. The Accepting Club and the Transferring Club may agree on different payments for the Player’s loan
depending on the Player’s results at the Accepting Club. Such an agreement shall be concluded in writing and
submitted to the LFF for registration.
Article 2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
2.1. The Transferring Club represents and warrants that it has all the required permissions to conclude this Loan
Contract under the conditions stipulated in the Contract.
2.2. The Accepting Club has no right to transfer the Player to a third club unless it has obtained a written
permission to do so from the Transferring Club.
2.3. During the Loan Period, the Accepting Club shall provide the Player with health insurance and ensure
proper health care and treatment, provide proper conditions for training fulfilling the conditions set forth in the
sports activity agreement concluded between the Player and the Transferring Club.
2.4. The Player hereby confirms that he agrees to be transferred to the Accepting Club under the conditions set
forth in this Loan Contract.
Article 3. TERMINATION
3.1. The Accepting Club has a right to terminate the Loan Agreement and transfer the Player back to the
Transferring Club serving a due notice of this intention ….. days in advance, if the sports (employment)
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agreement with the Player is terminated.
Article 4. OTHER PROVISIONS
4.1. The Loan Contract shall come into force on the terms depending on the agreement between the Accepting
Club and the Player regarding the conditions of the sports (employment) agreement.
4.2. The Parties shall attempt to amicably resolve all disputes arising from or in relation to the Loan Agreement.
4.3. In the event that the Parties fail to negotiate a dispute resolution, such disputes shall be filed for settlement
with the LFF institution in charge and shall be resolved in accordance with the LFF Regulations on the Status
and Transfer of Players.
4.4. The rights and obligations of the Parties not stipulated in the Loan Contract as well as the responsibilities
not set forth explicitly herein shall be governed by the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.
4.5. All amendments and supplements of the Loan Contract shall be concluded in writing, signed by the
authorized persons and submitted to the LFF for registration.
4.6. The Loan Contract is prepared in four counterparts: one for each Party and the LFF.
On behalf of the Transferring Club:
On behalf of the Accepting Club:
Player:
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ANNEX 5
RULES FOR THE STATUS AND TRANSFER OF FUTSAL PLAYERS
For the purpose of this annex, the terms set out below are defined as follows:
1. Futsal is football played in accordance with the Futsal Laws of the Game that have been drawn up by
FIFA in collaboration with the Sub-Committee of the International Football Association Board.
2. Eleven-a-side football is football played in accordance with the Laws of the Game as authorized by the
International Football Association Board.
3. Regulations are the Regulations on the Status and transfer of Players of the LFF.
4. Former Association is the Association to which the Former Club is affiliated.
5. Former Club is the club that the Player is leaving.
6. New Association is the Association to which the New Club is affiliated.
7. New Club is the club that the Player is joining.
8. 2.1.9. Official Matches are the matches played within the framework of Organized Football, such as
LFF championships, tournaments, LFF cups and international championships for clubs, but not
including friendly and trial matches.
9. Organised Football is association football and futsal organized under the auspices of FIFA, the
Confederations and the Associations, or authorized by them.
10. Protected Period is the period of three entire Seasons or three years, whichever comes first, starting on
the day the Contract comes into force, where such Contract is concluded prior to the twenty-eighth
birthday of the Professional Player, or two entire Seasons or two years, whichever comes first, starting
on the day the Contract comes into force, where such Contract is concluded after the twenty-eighth
birthday of the Professional Player.
11. Registration Period is the period of Players’ registration in the Club as defined by the LFF.
12. Season is the time period starting with the first Official Match of the relevant national league
championship/ tournament and ending with the last Official Match of the relevant national league
championship/ tournament.
The terms used in the Regulations shall apply to natural persons of any sex. The terms used in singular shall be
valid when used in plural and vice versa.
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1.
Status of the Rules:
1.1. These rules are an integral part of the Regulations and constitute its Annex 5.
2. Scope:
2.1. The Rules for the Status and Transfer of Futsal Players establish global and binding provisions
concerning the status of futsal players, their eligibility to participate in Organized Football, and their
transfer between clubs.
2.2. The Regulations shall apply without alterations to futsal players in so far as they do not contradict the
provisions of these Rules.
3. Registration:
3.1. All Futsal Players must be registered with the LFF according to the Regulations as either a Professional
or an Amateur to play for a Club. The Players are registered on the COMET System.
3.2. Only registered Players have a right to participate in Organized Football.
3.3. By the act of registering, the Futsal Player agrees to adhere to the Articles of Association and other
rules of the LFF, and the Statutes and Rules of the FIFA and UEFA.
3.4. A Player may only be registered with one Futsal Club at a time. A player may, however, also be
registered for one eleven-a-side club during this time.
3.5. Players may be registered for a maximum of 3 (three) Futsal Clubs during the period from 1 July until
30 June of the following year. During this period, the player is only eligible to play in Official Matches
for two clubs.
4. International Futsal Transfer Certificate:
4.1. Futsal Players registered with one Association may only be registered with a Futsal Club of a New
Association once the latter has received an International Futsal Transfer Certificate (hereinafter referred
to as the IFTC) from the Former Association. The IFTC shall be issued free of charge. The Association
issuing the IFTC shall deposit a copy with FIFA.
4.2. An IFTC is not required for a player under the age of 12 years.
5. Enforcement of Disciplinary Sanctions:
5.1. A suspension imposed in terms of matches on a Player for an infringement committed when playing
futsal or in relation to a futsal match shall only affect the Player’s participation for his Futsal Club.
Similarly, a suspension imposed in terms of matches on a player participating in eleven-a-side football
shall only affect the player’s participation for his eleven-a-side club.
5.2. A suspension imposed in terms of specific period of time (e.g. days, months) shall affect a Player’s
participation for both his futsal as well as his eleven-a-side club, regardless of whether the infringement
was committed in eleven-a-side football or futsal.
5.3. When a Club registers a Player previously registered with a Club affiliated with another Association,
which had a sanction of suspension imposed and not completed, the said sanction must be imposed by
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the New Association.
6. Respect of Contract:
6.1. A Professional under contract with an eleven-a-side club may only sign a second professional Contract
with a different Futsal Club if he obtains written approval from the eleven-a-side club employing him.
A Professional under contract with a Futsal Club may only sign a second professional Contract with a
different eleven-a-side club if he obtains written approval from the Futsal Club employing him.
6.2. Any futsal-related legal matters are subject to provisions of the Regulations applicable to the
maintenance of contractual stability.
7. Protection of Minors:
7.1. International player transfers are only permitted if the player is over the age of 18. The exceptions to
this rule are outlined in Article 21 of the Regulations.
8. Training Compensation:
8.1. The provisions on training compensation as provided for in the Regulations shall not apply to the
transfer of Players to and from Futsal Clubs.
9. Solidarity Mechanism:
9.1. The provisions on solidarity mechanism as provided for in the Regulations shall not apply to the
transfer of Players to and from Futsal Clubs.
10. Matters Not Provided For:
10.1. Matters not provided for in these rules shall be governed by the respective provisions of the
Regulations.
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