Award

CAS 2019 A 6632

CAS · Football (FIFA / CAS) · Switzerland · 9 Jun 2021

Why it matters

This case is notable for addressing the applicability of FIFA's training compensation rules to women's football, a developing area. Although settled, it highlights the ongoing legal questions around gender equality in football regulations and the role of CAS in resolving such disputes. The cost award also illustrates CAS practice on cost allocation upon withdrawal.

Summary

ZFK Spartak Subotica, a Serbian women's football club, appealed a FIFA DRC decision that rejected its claim for training compensation from Ferencvarosi TC for the transfer of player Allegra Poljak. The FIFA DRC had held that the training compensation system, designed for men's 11-a-side football, could not be applied to women's football. Subotica appealed to CAS, arguing that the system should apply. During the CAS proceedings, the parties reached a settlement and Subotica withdrew its appeal. The CAS Panel terminated the procedure and ordered that the arbitration costs be shared equally between Subotica and Ferencvarosi, with each party bearing its own legal fees. The case did not reach a decision on the merits, but it underscores the ongoing debate about gender-specific application of FIFA regulations.

The detail

Parties: ZFK Spartak Subotica v. Ferencvarosi TC & FIFA (costs)

Case number: CAS 2019 A 6632

Outcome: The appeal was withdrawn after settlement; CAS terminated the procedure and ordered costs shared equally between Subotica and Ferencvarosi, each bearing own legal fees.

Applicable law: FIFA Statutes (2018 edition), CAS Code of Sports-related Arbitration (2019 edition)

Issues in play: A club's, player's or agent's rights against FIFA's regulations and decisions, on appeal to sport's supreme tribunal.

Read the full decision at Court of Arbitration for Sport (football, via FIFA)

Locus Standi links to the source decision and publishes its own plain-language summary. It does not reproduce the text of the award.

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