ROME, August 7 – In a significant shift that could impact the lives and livelihoods of footballers across Italy, a new agreement between Serie A and the Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) confirms that players will face a 25% salary cut if their team is relegated to Serie B.
The deal, unveiled on Tuesday, is part of a broader five-year collective bargaining agreement set to take effect from September 2, 2025 – right after the summer transfer window closes. The goal? To ease the financial burden on clubs that slip out of Italy’s top football league.
For many fans, it might sound like part of the game, but for the players, this clause means their paycheck—and possibly their personal lives—will take a hit if their team underperforms. The pay cut will be automatic for all new contracts signed after the mentioned date unless a specific clause says otherwise.
However, there is a silver lining. If the team manages to claw its way back into Serie A, the players’ salaries will be restored to their original amounts—recognizing the bounce-back effort both on and off the pitch.
To ensure some financial fairness, especially for younger players, the agreement also introduces a minimum salary structure based on age. No matter what happens, this baseline pay cannot be lowered—even if a team is relegated.
This deal highlights the increasing financial pressures on football clubs and the real-life implications for players, beyond the glitz and glamour we see on screen.
