CAS 2020 A 7255
CAS · Football (FIFA / CAS) · Switzerland · 18 Jun 2021
Why it matters
This case confirms that CAS will uphold FIFA's disciplinary sanctions for non-payment of debts, including indefinite transfer bans until payment, as proportionate and not violating ne bis in idem. It reinforces that CAS has full jurisdiction to cure procedural defects and that FIFA's sanctioning system is compliant with Swiss public policy and EU law.
Summary
Raja Club Athletic, a Moroccan football club, failed to pay its former coach USD 160,000 as ordered by the FIFA Players' Status Committee (PSC). The PSC decision became final when Raja did not pay procedural costs. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee then fined Raja CHF 15,000 and imposed a transfer ban until the debt was paid. Raja appealed to CAS, arguing the sanctions were disproportionate, violated ne bis in idem, and breached EU law and human rights. The Sole Arbitrator dismissed the appeal, holding that the transfer ban is not indefinite, it ends upon payment, and that escalating sanctions for continued non-compliance do not violate ne bis in idem. CAS also found no breach of Article 6 ECHR or TFEU, as CAS review cures any procedural issues and FIFA's sanctioning discretion is lawful. The award confirms FIFA's enforcement system and the broad deference given to disciplinary bodies in football.
The detail
Parties: Raja Club Athletic v. FIFA
Case number: CAS 2020 A 7255
Outcome: Appeal dismissed; FIFA Disciplinary Committee decision confirmed; Raja ordered to pay arbitration costs.
Applicable law: FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), Swiss law, CAS Code
Issues in play: Principle of proportionality vs. FIFA's sanctioning discretion; ne bis in idem vs. escalating sanctions for continued non-compliance.
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.