Ministry of Labour prepares new rules for recruitment of athletes

Colombia’s Ministry of Labor is preparing new regulations aimed at formalizing the employment contracts of professional athletes, including both men and women. The proposed decree seeks to bring greater transparency and legal structure to the sports industry, which has long operated under informal agreements and economic support arrangements. This initiative comes just days before the current government concludes its term, signaling a final push to implement reforms in the sector. Under the new rules, all professional athletes would be required to have written contracts and must be affiliated with the national social security system. This move aims to eliminate the use of informal financial support or verbal agreements, which have been common practices in the past. Contracts would need to be registered with the ministries of Sports and Labor within 15 days of signing, ensuring proper documentation and oversight. These documents would include fundamental terms such as contract duration, payment schedules, exclusivity clauses, and measures to prevent harassment. The regulation also sets a maximum weekly working limit of 42 hours, encompassing training sessions, matches, travel, and other related activities. Athletes would be guaranteed a minimum rest period of 72 hours between competitions, aligning with recommendations from international bodies such as FIFA and the International Labour Organization (ILO). Additionally, the proposal targets the practice of paying part of an athlete's salary as image rights, aiming to prevent this from being used to reduce labor obligations and ensure that compensation is treated as actual wages rather than revenue-sharing. Another key provision prohibits temporary transfers without the athlete’s explicit consent. It also bans clauses that restrict players from freely joining another team after their contract ends, promoting fair mobility within the sport. Gender equality is emphasized throughout the regulations, particularly in addressing wage disparities. The decree mandates equal treatment and opportunities for female athletes and technical staff, reinforcing Colombia’s commitment to pay equity, which was established over six decades ago when the country ratified ILO Convention 100 on equal pay. The timing of these proposals coincides with a significant reduction in funding for sports in Colombia. For 2026, the budget allocated to sports is set at $312 million, marking a decline from $468 million in the previous year and far below the peak of $550 million recorded in 2024. This decrease follows challenges in the execution of policies by the Ministry of Sports, which has seen four different ministers take charge over the last three years of the current administration. The proposed changes reflect broader efforts to address systemic issues within the sports sector, where informal practices have often led to exploitation and inequality. By mandating formal contracts and ensuring compliance with labor standards, the Ministry of Labor hopes to create a more equitable environment for athletes while also enhancing accountability among sports organizations. As the government nears its end, these regulations could mark a pivotal shift in how professional sports are managed in Colombia, potentially setting a precedent for future administrations.