Dispute resolution methods in professional football player contracts

Football has become a type of sport that can temporarily help societies forget their hardships and has the capacity to rapidly shift national agendas. One of the most critical elements of football is the professional football player contract. There are ongoing doctrinal disagreements regarding certain legal aspects of these contracts. Professional football contracts, which were excluded from the scope of the Labor Law No. 4857 as of December 8, 2003, are now governed by the Turkish Code of Obligations No. 6098, which came into force on January 11, 2011. Additionally, the directives issued by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) must be taken into consideration during the drafting and implementation of these contracts. In disputes arising from contracts involving foreign elements, the regulations of international organizations such as the Union of European Football Associations, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport also carry significant weight. This study aims to analyze the legal nature of professional football contracts, which hold a significant place in the football economy, and to examine the disputes arising from such contracts. By assessing the relevant domestic legal regulations and the impact of foreign elements through case analysis, the study intends to contribute to solving practical problems and to enrich the existing academic literature.