CAS 2023 A 9895
CAS · Football (FIFA / CAS) · Switzerland · 16 Dec 2024
Why it matters
This case clarifies the definition of 'first professional registration' under FIFA RSTP and the importance of accurate Electronic Player Passport (EPP) data. It underscores that training compensation is only due when a player first becomes a professional, and that earlier professional contracts, even if not properly registered, can negate the obligation. The decision also highlights the consequences of a club's failure to participate in the EPP process, affecting cost allocation.
Summary
SSU Politehnica Timişoara, a Romanian football club, signed player Onni Tiihonen in January 2023. FIFA's Electronic Player Passport (EPP) system flagged this as a 'first professional registration', triggering training compensation of EUR 158,743.17 to be paid by SSU Politehnica to several Finnish clubs and associations. SSU Politehnica appealed to CAS, arguing that Tiihonen had already been a professional player when he signed for Argja Bóltfelag (Faroe Islands) in February 2022 and later for Viitorul Dăești (Romania) in September 2022. The club provided evidence including the player's declaration and contracts. FIFA had issued the EPP Determination and Allocation Statement based on the information available, as SSU Politehnica had not responded to earlier requests for documentation. The Sole Arbitrator found that the player was indeed a professional before joining SSU Politehnica, as he received compensation exceeding expenses under both prior contracts. Therefore, the trigger event for training compensation did not occur. The CAS upheld the appeal, annulled FIFA's decisions, and ordered SSU Politehnica to bear 75% of arbitration costs due to its lack of diligence in the EPP process.
The detail
Parties: and 9917 SSU Politehnica Timisoara v. FIFA et al.
Case number: CAS 2023 A 9895
Outcome: Appeal upheld; FIFA decisions set aside; Appellant ordered to pay 75% of arbitration costs.
Applicable law: FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP), FIFA Clearing House Regulations (FCHR), CAS Code of Sports-related Arbitration
Issues in play: The key issue was whether the player's registration with SSU Politehnica constituted a 'first professional registration' triggering training compensation under FIFA RSTP. The tribunal found the player had already been a professional with earlier clubs, so the trigger event did not occur.
Read the full decision at Court of Arbitration for Sport (football, via FIFA) ↗
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