Who and since when must comply with the regulations of the Polish Football Association (PZPN)?

Everyone, regardless of their connection to football, must comply with the generally applicable laws such as civil, criminal, tax, and administrative law.

However, if you are a player, coach, football agent, or run a football club, you are also obligated to follow the internal regulations of the Polish Football Association (PZPN).

For example, a football player, from the moment they sign an amateur declaration or a contract, is required to comply not only with public law but also with the internal regulations of the Polish FA.

What types of football players are there?

Players are categorized as either amateur or professional.

An amateur player is one who does not receive any salary from the club and has signed an amateur declaration with the club.

A professional player is one who receives a salary from the club and has signed a senior contract or a U18 contract. A player can become a professional no earlier than at the age of 15.

What are the duties of an amateur player?

An amateur player is bound to the club by an amateur declaration, which is a statement that the player will represent the club in official matches. From the moment of signing, the player must play for the club until the end of the season and cannot change clubs without the club’s consent during that time.

How long does the amateur declaration last?

The amateur declaration is always valid until the end of the season in which it was signed — meaning it expires on June 30.

If the player does not sign a new declaration for the following season, they become a free agent as of July 1, with no club affiliation.

Can an amateur player be disciplined?

Yes. Once the amateur declaration is signed, the player can be disciplined by the regional football association. If an amateur player leaves the club without permission, they may face a 12-month disqualification, during which they cannot play or train with any club.

What is training compensation?

Training compensation is a fee paid for training players between the ages of 12 and 21. It is paid by the new club if the player joins as a free agent after their declaration or contract has expired.

When is training compensation not paid?

Compensation is not due if:

• The transfer is between clubs in the A-Class or lower divisions
• The player’s contract was terminated due to the club’s fault
• The Football Arbitration Court ruled to terminate the contract due to the club’s fault
• The player signs with a new club more than 12 months after their last contract or declaration expired
• The player changes clubs after turning 24

What are the training compensation rates?

For each full year of training:

• Ages 12–14: 500 PLN net
• Ages 15–18: 2,000 PLN net
• Ages 19–21: 3,000 PLN net

These rates are multiplied based on the division of the new club’s first team:

• ×6 for Ekstraklasa clubs
• ×3 for I and II Liga clubs
• ×1 for III Liga, Women’s Ekstraliga, or clubs participating only in youth competitions
• ×0.5 for IV Liga and lower

Do players or their parents pay the training compensation?

No. Only football clubs are responsible for paying training compensation. The new club pays the fee to the previous club — not the player or their family.

Is the club required to insure the player?

Yes. According to the Sports Act, every sports club participating in competitions organized by the regional FA or the Polish FA is obligated to insure its players.

Can an amateur player be transferred to another club?

Yes. An amateur player can be transferred for a fee agreed between the clubs. This fee may differ from the calculated training compensation.

How long is the football season?

The season in Poland runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year.

What is a transfer window?

A transfer window is the period when players are allowed to change clubs via transfer agreements.

There are two transfer windows: the summer window and the winter window.

How many clubs can a player play for in one season?

A player can be registered with only one club at a time (with exceptions for loans and futsal).

A player may be registered with up to three clubs between July 1 and June 30, but can only play official matches for two of them.

What is a U18 contract?

A U18 contract is signed between a club and a player who is at least 15 but not yet 18 years old.

It can last up to 3 years and must include a minimum monthly salary of 500 PLN gross.

It must be signed by the player and their parents.

Can a U18 contract be terminated?

U18 contracts cannot be unilaterally terminated or withdrawn from by either party.

They can only be dissolved by the PZPN Football Arbitration Court or by mutual agreement between the player and the club.

Who is a football agent?

A football agent helps players find clubs and negotiate contracts. Since 2023, all agents must be licensed by FIFA.

Do I need a football agent?

No, you are not required to work with an agent. You can manage your career yourself or consult a football lawyer.

What if my club doesn’t pay my salary?

If your club fails to pay your salary, you can take the case to the PZPN Football Arbitration Court.

If the club is over two months late with payment, you may terminate the contract for cause and claim compensation.

What should I do in case of a conflict with a football club?

Depending on the issue, you should report it to the relevant regional or national football authorities, such as the Disciplinary Committee or the PZPN Arbitration Court. Legal consultation with a football lawyer is also recommended.

This guide was prepared in cooperation with www.prawopilkarskie.pl