Sport’s highest court has delivered a landmark legal victory for female footballers, ordering Italian club Lazio Women to pay compensation to Maja Göthberg after contract talks ended upon learning of her pregnancy.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) has instructed Lazio to pay the former Sweden youth international more than 70,000 euros (£60,000) in salary compensation, alongside damages for "infringement of her personality rights”, plus 5 per cent interest accrued over the past two years.
The verdict was published on Wednesday by the global players’ union, Fifpro.
Göthberg, who played a pivotal role in Lazio Women’s promotion to the top tier during the 2023-24 season, informed the club of her pregnancy during discussions for a new contract, valued at a gross salary of 64,000 euros (£55,000).
According to the Cas ruling, "Immediately afterwards, the relationship broke down”, with Fifpro stating Lazio Women subsequently claimed no contract existed and that the player no longer wished to continue.
The footballer initially lost her claim at a Fifa tribunal before successfully appealing to Cas. Crucial evidence in her appeal included WhatsApp messages exchanged during negotiations, which clearly demonstrated Lazio’s awareness of her pregnancy.
Fifa judges had previously concluded that Göthberg "failed to establish that the parties had concluded an employment contract."
Fifpro’s Legal Director, Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud, commented: "The significance of this ruling goes beyond Maja Göthberg and confirms clubs cannot simply walk away from an employment relationship, even if this is not fully formalized, once they learn a player is pregnant."
The union added that the Cas ruling also "establishes an important precedent around the confidentiality of pregnancy-related medical information”, clarifying that players are protected when essential terms are agreed and both parties act as if a contract is in place.
Göthberg is now 28, and it is 11 years since she won the Under-19 European Championships with Sweden. She is yet to represent the senior side at international level.
The Swedish star Göthberg, who will turn 29 next month, is married to 30 year old Finnish ice hockey player Miika Pitkanen.
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