Football contracts are not just about the numbers and performance-based incentives; they can also contain some peculiar and often hilarious clauses. Over the years, footballers, clubs, and agents have negotiated contract terms that go far beyond the pitch. In this article, we delve into the world of football’s oddest contract clauses that have left fans and pundits equally amused and baffled.
- Ali Dia’s One-Game Wonder Clause: Perhaps the most infamous contract clause in football history belonged to Ali Dia, who briefly played for Southampton in 1996. Dia’s contract reportedly included a clause that allowed him to earn a bonus if he played just one game. He made a brief and disastrous appearance, only to be subbed off after just 53 minutes.
- The Weight Watchers Clause: In 2014, Adrian Mutu’s contract with Pune City FC in the Indian Super League had an unusual weight-related clause. The Romanian striker had to maintain a specific weight, with financial penalties for each gram he exceeded.
- The Superhero Clause: Brazilian footballer Hulk, known for his incredible physique, had an interesting clause in his Zenit St. Petersburg contract. Reportedly, he would receive a bonus for not revealing his superhuman strength.
- The Babysitting Clause: Samuel Eto’o, during his time at Inter Milan, had a clause that required the club to provide him with a private jet and his own personal babysitter for his children during games.
- The No-Teeth Clause: Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez had a biting problem that earned him suspensions. When he transferred to Barcelona, his contract allegedly included a clause that penalized him if he bit another player.
- The Anti-Airplane Clause: In 2010, Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Real Madrid reportedly had a clause prohibiting him from travelling in personal aeroplanes, presumably for safety reasons.
- The No-Red-Card Bonus: Joey Barton, known for his fiery temper, once had a contract clause that would reward him with a bonus for each season in which he did not receive a red card. Unsurprisingly, he rarely received that bonus.
- The Release Clause and the Elephant: During his time at Sampdoria, Faustino Asprilla’s contract included an unusual release clause: the club could terminate his contract if he was hit by lightning or bitten by an elephant.
- The Alien Clause: When Turkish club Antalyaspor signed Ronaldinho, it was rumoured that his contract had a clause stating he would be paid more if he left Earth and met with extraterrestrial beings.
- The Haircut Clause: In 2014, former Bayern Munich player Dante had a unique clause in his contract that required him to maintain his iconic afro hairstyle. If he decided to cut it, he would face fines.
Football contracts often contain clauses that are both amusing and bizarre. These unusual terms reflect the eccentricities and personalities of the players and clubs involved. While some clauses may seem absurd, they add a touch of humour and quirkiness to the world of football, reminding us that the beautiful game can be just as entertaining off the field as it is on it.