7 Most Astonishing Secret Football Contract Clauses Ever
3. No Red Boot For Van Der Vaart Clause
Rafael van der Vaart was an attacking midfielder with a low centre of gravity and nimble feet. The diminutive Dutch international often left defenders chasing shadows, and looked like an astute signing for Spanish Primera Liga side Real Betis.
The Spanish club made him sign a contract with a very unusual request. The midfielder was forbidden from wearing red boots! The exact wording was "he could use any sports shoes, but in no case may they contain red."
While the clause might have caught the Dutchman by surprise, he did not have far to look for the answer. Real Betis had a dislike for the colour borne out of an age-old rivalry. Their bitter city rivals Sevilla lined out in red, and the club moved quickly to ensure neither Real Betis, or van der Vaart were left feeling red-faced on derby day!