Slowly but surely, playoffs are starting and seasons across Europe are winding down. Ideally, you had a great experience, grew as a player, and are leaving with nothing but positive memories. But let’s be real—this is the overseas grind, and the end of the season can sometimes bring out the worst in teams. Suddenly, things get… petty.
Maybe your last paycheck is mysteriously delayed. Maybe management starts nitpicking about the condition of your apartment or rental car. Maybe that “guaranteed” camp bonus in your contract isn’t so guaranteed anymore. These little (or not-so-little) power plays can make what should be a smooth season-ending transition into a frustrating, disrespectful ordeal.
The Late Payment Shuffle
One of the most common issues overseas players face is late payments. At the start of the season, teams are usually on their best behavior. But as contracts come to a close, that professionalism can start slipping. Your paycheck that used to arrive like clockwork? Now it’s “processing.” You hear, “We’re waiting on sponsors” or “We’ll sort it out soon.” Meanwhile, your rent is due back home, and you’re left in limbo.
Financial stress is real, and so is the frustration of chasing down money you already earned. If a team is dragging its feet, stay professional but firm. Reference your contract, document all communication, and get your agent involved right away.
Shady Loopholes & Broken Promises
Sometimes, it’s not just about getting paid—it’s about getting paid what you were promised. A player I work with had a clause in his contract guaranteeing a $500 bonus for working the team’s camp. No fine print, no conditions. But when fewer kids signed up than expected, the team tried to cut his payout.
This kind of move happens way too often. If it’s in your contract, it’s binding. Don’t let a team play games with your money just because it’s late in the season. Be prepared to push back and remind them that a deal is a deal—regardless of how many kids showed up for camp.
Random Apartment & Car Inspections? Not Cool.
Another sneaky tactic some teams use is surprise inspections of players’ apartments or cars. While it’s understandable that they want everything returned in good condition, this shouldn’t be an unannounced pop-in.
Your living space is your private space. If a team wants to check the apartment or car, it should be scheduled—not treated like a random police raid. If this happens, politely but firmly request a set appointment. Don’t let them barge in whenever they feel like it.
The “We’ll Fix It Later” Excuse
Then there are the conveniently delayed repairs. That leaky faucet? That broken heater? That WiFi that randomly cuts out at the worst times? Somehow, these things never seem to get fixed until the season is over.
For teams, it’s just another expense they’d rather not deal with. For players, it’s about basic quality of life. And for anyone living far from home, being cut off from Facetime calls with family and loved ones isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a mental health risk.
If you’re dealing with these issues, stay vocal. Keep records of requests, and don’t let teams brush you off. The way a team treats you at the end of your contract says a lot about its character.
Know Your Worth, Protect Your Peace
At the end of the day, you’re a professional. You’ve sacrificed, trained, and given your all to help the team succeed. You deserve to be treated with respect—not as an afterthought once the season winds down.
If you’re unsure how to handle situations like these, I’ve got your back. Through SJM Consultation, I help overseas players navigate contract disputes, payment delays, and all the behind-the-scenes challenges that come with playing abroad. If you need guidance, let’s connect.
Let’s Talk…