Serie A players' salaries to be automatically reduced by 25% after relegation under new role approved by Italian FA

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has approved a new rule under which Serie A players’ salaries will automatically be reduced by 25% if their club is relegated to Serie B. This change forms part of a new five-year collective bargaining agreement signed between Lega Serie A and the Italian Players' Association (AIC). The rule will apply to all contracts signed after September 2, 2025.

For years, Serie A clubs have pushed for contractual flexibility to manage financial losses following relegation, especially due to reduced TV revenue. Until now, teams relied on selling players or terminating contracts to cut costs. This structural change provides an automatic mechanism for wage adjustment while allowing exceptions if clubs and players negotiate alternative terms. The rule is designed to make the system more sustainable and fair for both parties.

The new rule, Article 5.2, paragraph 7 of the Serie A players' collective bargaining agreement, says: "In the event of a team's relegation to Serie B, the fixed salary is automatically reduced by 25%, without, however, the recalculated salary being allowed to fall below the minimum limit set, depending on the player's age group, by the Serie A players' collective bargaining agreement. The reduction referred to in this paragraph takes effect from the season immediately following the one in which the relegation occurs and remains in effect for any subsequent seasons, except in the case of a new promotion to Serie A, which will result in the original salary level being restored, any agreements to the contrary in individual contracts are in any case reserved." This means clubs and players can negotiate a salary based on the competition the club is or will be involved in. "That varies depending on the championship and/or international competition in which the club participates or will participate."

“This agreement represents a significant step forward for our football system,” said Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli. "It is a historic agreement, both for its content and the method used to reach it: a process of constructive dialogue, developed over time with a spirit of responsibility and a shared vision. This result confirms how institutional dialogue and collaboration between Lega and AIC are essential tools for addressing the challenges of modern football with balance and foresight." 

He added: "Our goal, as Lega Serie A, is to contribute to an increasingly solid, fair, and sustainable system, in which the needs of clubs and players can be reconciled in the shared interest of protecting and growing the sport."

AIC President Umberto Calcagno shared a similar view, stating: "The new agreement is the result of constructive dialogue between the parties, with a view to safeguarding the interests of the entire system."

The rule will officially come into effect from the 2025-26 season for new contracts. Existing deals remain unaffected unless renegotiated. Clubs will now prepare for the long-term implications, as automatic salary reductions could influence transfer negotiations, player retention, and financial planning for teams at risk of relegation.

The 2025-26 campaign will begin on August 23, with defending champions Napoli away to Sassuolo while AC Milan host Cremonese and runners-up Inter meet Torino.