Footballer Fired for Being Too Fat

Fat footballers are part of the modern game. Whether it’s players actually letting themselves go (see: Ronaldinho recently) or players who get lumped with the overweight label because it’s easy alliteration (see: “Fat” Frank Lampard). It’s a phenomenon that goes all the way back to William Fatty Foulke, who really deserved the title.

But no professional footballer has ever been fired for being overweight. Until now.

Michael Keane (pictured) has had his contract terminated by Irish Eircom Premier League outfit St. Pat’s Athletic, for sporting too much timber on his torso.

St. Pat’s gave Keane an ultimatum about his weight earlier in the season, instructing him to shed some poundage or else. Apparently Keane chose “or else.” And so the club had terminated Kean’es €3,000 a week (good money for the Eircom League) contract with no payoff, even though he had 18 months to go.

Not sure if this sets a legal precedent, but don’t be surprised if you spot Andy Reid on a treadmill this week. Just saying.

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Category: World Football