421 MISCELLANEOUS Rights of Pregnant Players In the event of pregnancy, female players have a right to choose to continue providing sporting services, or to provide employment services in an alternate manner. A pregnant player can choose to participate in sporting competitions and provide sporting services upon confirmation from her treating practitioner, as well as from an independent medical professional, that it is safe for her to do so. In such case, the club’s obligation is to respect the decision of the player and form an appropriate plan to provide the player’s participation in a safe manner, prioritizing the player’s health and that of the unborn child. If a pregnant player is found to be unsuitable to continue football activities by her treating practitioner, or she simply chooses not to provide sporting services to the club, of her free will, the player shall have a right to provide alternative services to the club. In such case, the club and player should agree on the alternate services. Meanwhile, the club’s obligation to respect the decision and work with the player to formalize a plan for her alternate employment continues. It must also be noted that the player is entitled to receive her full remuneration during the period in which she provides alternative services, until such time that she takes maternity leave. All pregnant players shall have a right to independently determine the commencement date of her maternity leave taking into consideration the minimum periods provided in the definition of maternity leave. Within this context, any club that pressures or forces a player to take maternity leave at a specific time will be sanctioned by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. Right to Return to Football Activity Moreover, both the right to return to football activity and receive full remuneration is secured with the new Article 18quater of the RSTP. The player has the right to return to work after she completes maternity leave and upon confirmation from her treating practitioner and an independent medical professional that it is safe for her to do so. In such case, the club has the obligation to respect her decision and
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