French government pass legislation to regulate esports player contracts

Each day, esports seem to be getting closer to becoming internationally recognised sports. Today’s news comes from France’s very own government.

As reported by Spanish news outlet Diario AS, the French government has passed legislation which regulates professional esports player contracts within their country. At a glance, the law limits all player contracts to a five year maximum period and a 12 month minimum period with an exception to substitutions and suspensions. In addition, players under 12 are barred from competing in monetised tournaments.

While the Asian side of the world does have a governmental agency regulating professional esports, namely KeSPA in South Korea, this is one of the first such laws passed in the Western side of the world.

KeSPA was founded in 2000 with the approval of the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism with the official goal to “make esports an official sporting event, and to solidify the commercial position of esports in all sectors.” As of June 2012, KeSPA managed 25 different esports in its country.

France
Image courtesy of ESWC

Last year, France revealed their plans for a national “Esports Federation” dubbed “Fédération France-Esport” meant to regulate such aspects of esports as the definition of professional gamer and much more. France also houses the Electronic Sports World Convention, or ESWC, which hosts tournaments in many games, such as CS:GO with last year’s eSports World Convention 2016.

The United States, on the other hand, has no established governmental protections or regulations set for esports players. The only thing around is the ability for esports athletes to hold athletic visas for international competitions. 

Although it has become less frequent, problems with player contracts have been all too prevalent in esports short history. With this regulation it helps players out as those in breach will face (one would assume) severe punishment. 

Esports Insider says: As with many recent events, it is a welcome sight when a government recognises the effort of esports athletes. Perhaps a Western country like France taking such a significant step will serve as an example for the rest of the world.