The Unusual Contract Clause
Mario Balotelli’s Liverpool deal contained one of the most bizarre clauses in football. As revealed in Football Leaks: The Dirty Business of Football, the striker was promised a £1 million bonus if he managed to avoid certain disciplinary issues.
Specifically, the contract stated that as long as Balotelli was not sent off three or more times per season for violent conduct, spitting, abusive language or gestures, or dissent, he would pocket the bonus on June 30 each year.
Why Liverpool Introduced It
The clause was inserted because of Balotelli’s reputation. Before his move to Anfield in 2014, he had already been shown seven red cards in his career. Liverpool clearly wanted to protect themselves by creating a financial incentive for the Italian forward to stay out of trouble.
How Balotelli Earned the Bonus
Surprisingly, Balotelli met the requirements with ease. During his time at Liverpool, he picked up seven yellow cards but never received a single red card. This discipline, by his standards, ensured he received the full £1 million reward despite not making a major impact on the pitch.
In the end, Liverpool’s gamble worked in a strange way: Balotelli didn’t set Anfield alight with goals, but he certainly succeeded in cashing in on their unique “behaviour bonus.”
