Force Majeure

Definition

In sports law, Force Majeure refers to an exceptional, unavoidable, and unforeseeable event beyond the control of the parties that prevents one or more parties from fulfilling their contractual obligations (e.g. natural disasters, global pandemics, or state conflicts).

Contract Terminations and FIFA Rules

In professional sports contracts, parties often include a force majeure clause to define how representational rights, salaries, and employment periods are adjusted during national emergencies. In football, FIFA and the CAS have established a very high threshold for accepting a force majeure defense, ensuring that contracts are not terminated lightly under the guise of financial hardship.