On 19 June 2025, the Paris Court of Appeal issued a ruling in a case between player Adrien Rabiot and the Paris Saint-Germain football club. In its decision, the Court ordered the reclassification of successive fixed-term contracts (CDD) into an open-ended contract (CDI).
This decision provides the opportunity to have a look at the conditions under which fixed-term contracts may be used in the field of football in France.
It should be noted that the first contract was signed in 2014 and was therefore not subject to the transitional provisions of the law of 27 November 2015, which introduced the specific sports fixed-term contract (CDD spécifique), but rather governed by general labour law.
In addition, it must be recalled that to justify the use of a CDD under standard practice, it must be established that the player’s role is of a temporary nature.
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Facts
The Player Adrien Rabiot was hired in 2010 by Paris Saint Germain, initially as a youth trainee and then as an “apprenti” before successively signing several fixed-term contracts as a professional player.
In October 2014, an amendment to the contract was signed to extend the contractual relationship until 2019.
Following disciplinary sanctions and the non-payment of an ethics bonus, the player brought the matter before the Paris Labor Court, seeking in particular the “re-classification” of his fixed-term contracts into a permanent contract. Dismissed at first instance in 2021, he appealed the decision. The Paris Court of Appeal ultimately ruled in his favor.
In its defense, the Club relied on the application of the specific fixed-term contract under articles L. 222-2-1 et seq. of the French Sports Code, introduced by the law of 27 November 2015.
However, since the disputed contract was signed in 2014, prior to the entry into force of this reform, it was governed by general labor law.
The Court reiterated that the use of fixed-term contracts under established practice, while permitted in the sports sector, remains subject to demonstrating the temporary nature of the employment.
PSG failed to provide concrete evidence justifying the successive use of fixed-term contracts.
The Court found that the player’s duties remained identical for nine consecutive years, without interruption or change in nature. It therefore considered that the contracts were intended to cover a role associated with the club’s normal and permanent activity.
As a result, the Court considered that the Player’s contractual relationship is considered a CDI starting from 1 July 2012, entitling the player to a range of salary back payments, compensation, and damages.
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Implications for Clubs and Professional Sports Stakeholders
This case highlights the legal risks of prolonged use of fixed-term contracts, even in the context of professional sports. It raises questions about the compatibility of France’s specific sports CDD with European requirements, notably Directive 1999/70/EC, which requires Member States to prevent abuse from successive use of fixed-term contracts.
This ruling could encourage other professional athletes to challenge their contracts before labor courts. Sports clubs and employers are therefore advised to ensure the legal security of their contracts.
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On the Removal of the Ethics Bonus
In parallel, the Court ruled that the removal of the player’s ethics bonus constituted a disguised financial sanction, prohibited under Article L. 1331-2 of the French Labour Code.
Furthermore, the disciplinary suspension based on the same facts was overturned, on the grounds that an employee cannot be sanctioned twice for the same misconduct.
PSG was therefore also held liable on this point.
In total, PSG was ordered to pay Adrien Rabiot over one million euros, covering:
• Reclassification compensation,
• Back pay,
• Damages for unlawful sanctions.
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This decision calls for great caution in drafting and renewing employment contracts for players and coaches in the football industry.
Are you a player, club, or sports agent questioning the validity or wording of a fixed-term contract in professional sports?
Do not hesitate to contact our firm, which specializes in sports law and labor law, for strategic and secure legal support.