The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) has announced its rejection of the proposed renewal of the Women’s Football Collective Agreement for Primera División players, as formulated by the employers’ association. In a statement, the AFE explained that the current proposal “does not represent a substantial advancement for the benefit of the players,” and emphasized that unless certain critical points are revised, the agreement would remain largely unchanged.
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Salary and Working Conditions: Key Points of Disagreement
The AFE has highlighted various concerns, with player compensation and working conditions being central issues. One of the main points the union opposes is the “compensation list” proposed by the employers. This list, the union argues, limits the free movement of players.
The AFE criticized the employers’ proposal for attempting to set compensation amounts that it considers to be excessively high, stating that this “violates the players’ right to free movement.” The union demands that this element of the proposal be reconsidered, emphasizing that contract freedom is essential for the growth of women’s football in Spain.
Personal Scope of the Agreement
Another critical point for the AFE is the personal scope of the agreement. The union is calling for the agreement to apply throughout its duration to players who are called up to the first team during the season and participate in at least 12 official matches or 10 matches regardless of playing time.
However, the employers’ proposal suggests that this provision should only apply for the first year of the agreement. The AFE argues that if the Collective Agreement is valid until June 2026, this provision should apply for the 2025/2026 season, not just 2024/2025. Failure to extend the scope could leave 30% of the players without the benefits of the agreement, according to the AFE.
Debt Recovery and Contract Enforcement
The union also expressed concerns over proposed restrictions on recovering unpaid wages. The AFE believes it is a step back for players’ rights to limit debt claims to those who have registered contracts within 30 days of signing.
In contrast, the union advocates for the right of players to claim unpaid wages at any time if they can provide evidence of a contract or payroll. The AFE pointed out that this aligns with the terms of the Collective Agreements for men’s La Liga and RFEF competitions. Limiting claims to a 30-day period would put female players in a worse position than their male counterparts, which the union finds unacceptable.
Minimum Wage and Calendar Negotiation
The AFE also raised concerns about the handling of the minimum wage. They are demanding a provision in the agreement that ensures any player can claim the minimum wage through the Mixed Commission, a body responsible for resolving labor disputes.
Additionally, the union emphasized that the calendar for matches must be negotiated with player representatives, a practice already in place in men’s competitions. The employers’ association has only proposed “informing the unions” about the calendar, which the AFE views as insufficient and a serious inequity that impacts crucial aspects such as working hours and player health.
Unjust Compensation List: A Barrier to Player Mobility
One of the most contentious issues is the employers’ insistence on a compensation list. This system requires clubs to pay a fee for signing a player whose contract has expired, limiting the free movement of players between clubs. The AFE has called this system “abusive” and a violation of the players’ right to choose where they work.
The AFE maintains that this list is an artificial barrier to player mobility and could stunt the growth of women’s football by restricting opportunities for players to move freely between clubs. They argue that it disproportionately affects younger or less experienced players who may struggle to find clubs willing to pay the compensation fees.
AFE’s Call for Equal Treatment
Throughout the negotiations, the AFE has consistently pushed for equal treatment between female and male footballers, especially regarding debt recovery, calendar negotiations, and the scope of the Collective Agreement.
The union stresses that women footballers should not face harsher conditions than their male counterparts, pointing out that failing to secure improvements in the current agreement would leave women’s football lagging behind men’s football, despite recent progress in the women’s game.
Uncertain Future of the Collective Agreement
As the negotiations continue, the AFE is holding firm on its stance that the current proposal from the employers is not acceptable. They have expressed willingness to continue discussions but are clear that they will not support a renewal unless the key issues they’ve highlighted are addressed.
With the current agreement set to expire soon, the future of the Women’s Football Collective Agreement remains uncertain. The AFE is urging both clubs and governing bodies to acknowledge the importance of ensuring that the new agreement significantly improves conditions for women footballers across Spain.
Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead
In conclusion, the AFE has outlined several critical areas in which they believe the Women’s Football Collective Agreement must be improved. From free movement and contract enforcement to ensuring that all players are covered by the agreement throughout its duration, the AFE is pushing for substantial reforms that will benefit the growing women’s football industry in Spain.
The outcome of these negotiations will have a lasting impact on the future of women’s football in Spain, and the AFE has made it clear that they will continue to advocate for the rights and well-being of all players.
