Professional athlete contracts: key aspects of RD 1006/1985 in 2026
The professional athlete employment contract has a special regime since 1985. We analyse its features: máximum duration, termination, release clause and training rights.
The special regime of RD 1006/1985
Royal Decree 1006/1985 regulates the special employment relationship of professional athletes. Unlike the Workers' Statute, it establishes particularities in duration, termination and economic rights.
Contract duration
Contracts may be temporary or indefinite, but in practice are always temporary. Maximum duration is not limited by law, it may be 1 to 5+ years depending on collective agreement.
Release clause
The RD allows parties to agree on compensation for unilateral termination by the athlete. Its main function is club transfers: the new club pays the release clause to the previous one.
Lexiel assists clubs and athletes in drafting and negotiating contracts, release clauses and employment claims.
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