LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank players will see notable gains in their guaranteed minimum wages and overall compensation, thanks to a new update to the collective bargaining framework between the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) and LaLiga. The agreement, which extends the current Collective Bargaining Agreement through June 30, 2026, establishes improvements that will apply to players in both LaLiga’s first and second divisions. The changes are retroactively effective as of July 1, 2022, ensuring that the financial benefits are realized for seasons already served under the updated terms and continue into the future.
According to AFE communications, the guaranteed minimum wage across all contractual categories has risen for players in both leagues. This uplift is designed to provide greater financial stability for players who commit to long-term service with their clubs or associated entities. In addition to the wage increase, the agreement introduces a seniority award. This award recognizes players who remain with the same club over multiple seasons and whose contracts conclude or are terminated under specific circumstances. The seniority clause aims to reward loyalty and sustained performance, translating into enhanced compensation for those who contribute consistently over time.
A key element of the update concerns players who achieve lengthy service at a single club. Specifically, players who have five or more consecutive seasons with the same club or SAD will benefit from enhanced financial protections and support. This provision reinforces long-term commitment by acknowledging the value that steady, multi-year involvement brings to both the players and the club, while also aligning with broader player welfare objectives in modern professional football.
The reform also revises the article addressing compensation in cases of death or disability arising from any work activity. The amended language expands the scope to include compensation for total permanent incapacity for work, ensuring that players facing severe, career-ending injuries or other life-altering events receive appropriate support. This change reflects a broader commitment to athlete welfare and ensures that the most serious risks associated with professional football are adequately covered in the collective framework.
Regarding rest days and the scheduling calendar, the agreement explicitly recognizes certain holiday periods as exempt from official match obligations. Specifically, Christmas holidays and the dates of December 24, 25, 31, and January 1 will be treated as non-working days with respect to the official competition schedule. This adjustment affords players more predictable rest opportunities during peak holiday periods and supports a healthier balance between professional duties and personal time for players and their families.
Overall, the updates to the Collective Bargaining Agreement represent a meaningful step in advancing player welfare, financial security, and work-life balance across LaLiga’s top two divisions. By extending the agreement through mid-2026, LaLiga and the AFE reinforce a mutual commitment to stable salaries, supportive measures for long-serving players, enhanced coverage for injuries and disabilities, and clearer rest-day protections. The retroactive application underscores a principled approach to fair treatment, acknowledging the realities of players’ careers and the long-term value they bring to clubs, leagues, and supporters alike.
For players, these reforms translate into tangible benefits: higher guaranteed minimum wages across all contract types, a seniority-based reward for loyalty and continued service, protections for those with extended tenures at a single club, expanded disability and death-related compensation, and clearer rest periods during important holiday windows. Clubs and leagues gain by fostering a stable, motivated player base, reducing disputes over compensation, and promoting sustainable scheduling that respects athlete welfare. The overall effect is a more transparent and equitable framework that supports the professional growth of players in both divisions while aligning with contemporary standards in European football governance.
As always, the precise application of these provisions will be guided by the contractual language of the updated collective agreement, with individual player terms reflecting the general enhancements described above. Stakeholders will continue monitoring the implementation to ensure compliance and to identify any further refinements that may benefit players and clubs alike.
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