In a significant legal victory for women’s soccer players, the highest court in sports has ruled in favor of Maja Göthberg, awarding her salary compensation from Lazio Women after the club terminated contract negotiations upon learning of her pregnancy. The Court of Arbitration for Sport has mandated Lazio to pay Göthberg over 70,000 euros ($79,000 US) in salary compensation, along with “violation of her personal rights,” including five percent interest for the last two years, as revealed in a ruling released by the global players’ union FIFPRO on Wednesday.
Following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, during which she played for Lazio Women and contributed to the club’s promotion to the top tier, Göthberg pursued her case at CAS after an unsuccessful initial claim at a FIFA tribunal. FIFPRO’s Legal Director, Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud, highlighted the broader implications of the ruling, emphasizing that clubs are not permitted to abruptly end an employment relationship upon learning of a player’s pregnancy, even if the formalization of the agreement is incomplete.
The CAS ruling pointed out that Göthberg informed the club about her pregnancy during the discussions for a new contract with a proposed gross salary of 64,000 euros ($72,500 US). Subsequently, the relationship deteriorated, with Lazio Women contending that no formal contract was in place and that the player no longer wished to proceed. Crucial evidence in the successful appeal included WhatsApp messages exchanged during negotiations that indicated the club’s awareness of Göthberg’s pregnancy.
The CAS ruling clarified that when essential terms are agreed upon, and both parties behave as if a contract is in effect, the player is safeguarded. Moreover, the ruling sets a significant precedent concerning the confidentiality of medical information related to pregnancy.
