Paraguay Moves to Make Written Contracts Mandatory for All Footballers

The Paraguayan Senate is reviewing a proposal to amend Law No. 5322/2014—the Professional Footballer Statute—to enforce mandatory written contracts for all footballers in the country, regardless of division. The initiative seeks to provide greater legal security in the relationships between players and clubs.

Under the proposed reform, only players with formal contracts and earnings equal to or above the legal minimum wage would be recognized as professionals. This measure aims to ensure players receive agreed-upon salaries and benefits, while protecting their sporting rights.

The bill was discussed by the Senate’s Committee on Legislation, Codification, Justice, and Labor, with representatives from the Paraguayan Football Association (APF), the National Sports Secretariat, and the Paraguayan Footballers' Association (FAP) in attendance.

Senator Derlis Maidana noted that the proposal has full support from both the APF and the Sports Secretariat. Footballers have also expressed agreement, although they suggested minor changes.

The legislation also aims to align national regulations with FIFA standards, promoting transparency and coherence in player contracts and legal protections. The committee decided to postpone a final decision by eight days to incorporate feedback and reach a consensus.