TAS 2024 A 10939 Foullah Edifice FC & Ibrahim Wanglaouna Foullah c. FIFA FR
CAS · Football (FIFA / CAS) · Switzerland · 24 Feb 2025
Why it matters
This case clarifies the threshold for what constitutes a 'decision' appealable to CAS under FIFA Statutes. It reinforces that CAS jurisdiction requires a formal ruling affecting legal rights, not mere correspondence or expressions of confidence. The ruling limits challenges to FIFA actions that are genuinely decision-making, preventing CAS from being used to contest informal communications.
Summary
Foullah Edifice FC and its president Ibrahim Wanglaouna Foullah appealed to the CAS against a letter dated 26 September 2024 from FIFA's Director of Member Associations to the Chadian Minister of Youth and Sports. The letter discussed the situation of the Chadian Football Association (FTFA) and mentioned that FIFA could count on Mr. Baba Ahmat Baba as interim Secretary General. The appellants argued that this letter constituted a FIFA decision to appoint Mr. Baba, which they claimed violated their rights. FIFA objected, stating the letter was merely informative and not a decision. The CAS, sitting as a sole arbitrator, examined whether the letter was a 'decision' under Article R47 of the CAS Code and Article 50 of the FIFA Statutes. The arbitrator found that the letter contained no ruling affecting legal positions; it only summarized past meetings and expressed confidence in Mr. Baba. The arbitrator noted that FIFA lacked regulatory power to appoint a Secretary General of a member association, and that the appointment must have been made by the FTFA itself. The appellants failed to prove that FIFA made the appointment. Consequently, the CAS declared it lacked jurisdiction and dismissed the appeal. The appellants were ordered to pay CHF 1,500 to FIFA as a contribution to its costs.
The detail
Parties: TAS 2024 A 10939 Foullah Edifice FC & Ibrahim Wanglaouna Foullah c. FIFA FR
Outcome: The CAS declared it lacked jurisdiction to hear the appeal; the appeal was dismissed. Appellants ordered to pay CHF 1,500 to FIFA as contribution to costs.
Quantum: CHF 1,500
Applicable law: FIFA Statutes (art. 8 para. 2, art. 50), CAS Code of Sports-related Arbitration (art. R47, R55), Swiss Civil Code
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) ↗
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