We've heard of many strange contract clauses in football, with players or management wanting to put specific details on paper, ensuring there is no confusion when a fine comes along.
Today the Fan Park crew brings you five of the most unusual contract clauses in football.
Stig Inge Bjornebye – "No Skiing!"
The former Liverpool player was the son of a former Olympian, who excelled at ski jumping, and in his youth, Bjornebye was a keen skier himself. When he signed for the Merseyside club, there was a clause put in his contract that banned him from being within 200 yards of a ski slope – which could tempt him in to the dangerous activity and potentially cause injury.
Stefan Schwarz – "You May Not Travel To Space!"
After he had signed for Sunderland in 1999, one of Schwarz's advisors had apparently booked a seat on the first commercial flight that was set for space, and due to take off in 2002. After the Black Cats were concerned that he'd travel to outer-space, there was reportedly a clause put in his four-year contract banning him from breaching the atmosphere.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Ridiculous Appearance Fee
In 2013, Chamberlain seemed to make most of his appearances from the bench after the 71st minute, and here's why: If the midfielder featured in any game for more than 20 minutes, Arsenal would have to pay Southampton, his former club, a £10,000 appearance fee.
Bernd Stange – "Can I Quit If There's War In Iraq?"
The German coach took up the task of managing the Iraqi national team in 2002, and smartly insisted that a clause be added into his contract stating that if a war broke out in the country, he could quit the post with immediate effect.
Neil Ruddock – Fined For Being Overweight
Upon his arrival at Crystal Palace, a particular clause in Ruddock's contract stated that should he go over the weight limit of 99.8kg, he'd be fined 10% of his wages – which happened eight times! He failed to make a single appearance for Palace, and the club reportedly joked that they never had his shorts size.
Have you heard of any other strange contract clauses in football?
