DENMARK Law and Practice Contributed by: Frederik Bruhn, Rasmus Theis Madsen, Robert Jønsson and Tim Krarup Nielsen, HortenDahl Law Firm
means that their employment is subject to statutory protections, including: • mandatory notice periods that cannot be contrac - tually shortened or deviated from in disfavour of the coach; • the right to continued salary during notice periods, even if they are relieved of their duties; and • entitlement to compensation if dismissed unfairly or without just cause. Dismissal and Severance Payments In general, if a coach is dismissed before the expiry of the fixed term contract, the club remains liable to pay salary, albeit with a right for the club to set-off the coach’s salary from a new employment. Coaches who are dismissed and placed on garden leave during the termination period cannot take up employment with competing clubs during their notice period, until the effective date of termination. To mitigate financial exposure, buyout clauses can be included, allowing the coach or another club to pay compensation for early contract termination. 7.3 Free Movement of Athletes Restrictions on the Number of Foreign Athletes in Competitions As in other countries in the EU, governing bodies must comply with the principle of free movement of workers under Article 45 of the TFEU, among others. Reference is made to the Bosman ruling and the more recent Diarra case. In addition, clubs and leagues must comply with the Danish Anti-Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination on the labour market based on national origin, among other factors. According to the Danish League’s Tournament Rules, clubs are subject to the so-called homegrown rules, according to which clubs must include at least eight homegrown players. Four players must have been developed by the club itself and four players must have been developed by another Danish club between the ages of 15 and 21. Any regulation that directly or indirectly disadvantages players based on their nationality could be subject to legal scrutiny. However, as in EU law, the Danish Anti-
Discrimination Act allows such indirect discrimination if it pursues a legitimate objective and is proportion - ate. Visa and Work Permit Requirements Athletes from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can freely live and work in Denmark without the need for a visa or work permit. However, athletes from outside the EU/EEA must obtain a residence and work permit to play professionally in Denmark. 8. Women’s Sport 8.1 Development and Growth of Women’s Sport Women’s sports in Denmark have seen substantial progress, with increased investment, professionali - sation and greater media exposure. • A new standard player contract came into force for women in the Danish league, negotiated by the Players’ Association and the Women’s Division Association. It includes: (a) minimum wages; (b) injury insurance financed by the club; (c) employer-administered sports pension and pension savings; and (d) new youth contracts, making it possible to combine education and elite football. • Equal pay for national teams: in 2025, DBU and the Players’ Association agreed to equal bonuses for the women’s and men’s teams in key areas, including in the UEFA Nations League and home qualification wins. This agreement reflects the rapid growth and increasing recognition of women’s football in Denmark. • Danish women’s football is attracting increased commercial interest, with top clubs securing major sponsorships. • Media rights: women’s football in Denmark has gained expanded media coverage, attracting great - er investment in broadcasting and sponsorship.
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