FOOTBALL
Player and referee system reform
Player contract system
J.LEAGUE decided to implement large-scale revisions to the player contract system in 2026. The current professional ABC contract system was established in 1999 and given the changes in the environment since then, it was decided to revise the system with the aim of improving the status of professional footballers, promoting competition among J.LEAGUE clubs and between J.LEAGUE clubs and overseas clubs, and contributing to higher transfer fees from transfers to overseas clubs.
- Main revision points
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(1) Abolition of professional ABC categorisation in professional contracts
＊From 2026 season (February 1, 2026)
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(2) Relaxation of remuneration ceiling regulations for first-year professional contracts
＊From 2026 season (February 1, 2026)
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(3) Introduction of minimum basic remuneration for professional contracts
＊From 2026/27 season (July 1, 2026)
Current Content of Revision Date of Revision Category Pro A, Pro B, Pro C, and Amateur
＊In order for a player to sign a Pro A or Pro B contract, one of the following conditions must be met:
Playing time (J1: 450 minutes or more, J2: 900 minutes or more, J3/JFL: 1,350 minutes or more) or three years after signing a Pro C contract.Professional and Amateur From 2026 season (February 1, 2026) Remuneration First-year Professional Contract Basic Remuneration Ceiling Pro C: 4.6 million yen annually
＊Pro A first year: 6.7 million yen annually12 million yen annually First-year Professional Contract Variable Remuneration Ceiling ・Pro A:
Set within range that doesn’t deviate from the system’s intent
・Pro B:
Match premium of 47,620 yen per match (not limited to the first year)
・Pro C:
Match premium of 47,620 yen per match (not limited to the first year)
＊There are also ceiling rules for victory bonusesSet with the ceiling at the same level as players with equivalent basic remuneration within the same club Signing Bonus Ceiling amounts are set based on “single/married” and “dependent status” distinctions.
Ceiling amounts: 3.8–5 million yenUniform ceiling amount of 5 million yen for all players Professional Contract Basic Remuneration Minimum No minimum J1: 4.8 million yen annually
J2: 3.6 million yen annually
J3: 2.4 million yen annuallyFrom 2026/27 season (July 1, 2026) Minimum Number of Professional Players J1: 20, including 15 Pro A per club
J2: 5 Pro A per club
J3: 3 Pro per club20 per club ※Pro A players: Basic remuneration at least ¥4.6 million/year. However, for a first-time A contract, no more than ¥6.7 million/year
※Pro B players: Basic remuneration up to ¥4.6 million/year
※Pro C players: Basic remuneration up to ¥4.6 million/year -
Referee reform
J.LEAGUE is working with Japan Football Association (JFA) to improve the quality of referees as another important factor in enhancing the value of J.LEAGUE. Various initiatives are underway, including increasing the number of full-time referees, exchanges with overseas referees, and training of young referees.
- Increasing the number of full-time referees
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Around 90% of J.LEAGUE referees currently officiate on a part-time basis, but the number of full-time referees (professional referees) will be increased to allow more time for training/match analysis, etc., in order to improve the quality of referees.
※Ratios are approximate
- Increasing the number of overseas referees
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Through the Referee Exchange Programme implemented in cooperation with JFA, referees from six countries were invited in 2024, with opportunities for exchange to be expanded further in 2025.
Nationalities and regions of invited referees (2024 results): England, Germany, USA, Mexico, Qatar, Poland
Ismail Elfath (US) served as referee in the 1st round match of J.LEAGUE YBC Levain Cup between Giravanz Kitakyushu and Oita Trinita.
