Brazil - The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Football Players’ Employment Contracts

The purpose of this article is to analyze which tools already existing in Brazilian legislation can be used in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, especially, which emergency measures of a general nature would be applicable and compatible with the footbal players legal relations.

In a scenario of reduced financial revenues by professional clubs due to the stoppage[1] of sports competitions, it is essential to analyze the legal measures that can be adopted by Brazilian clubs in order to reduce labor costs or better use the labor force of the athletes under current contracts.

Collective vacation (or collective holidays)

According to Law no. 9.615/1998, known as “Lei Pelé”, professional athletes are entitled to annual paid vacation of 30 days, plus the vacation bonus, coinciding with the recess of sports activities.

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