In a significant legal victory for female soccer players, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled in favor of Maja Göthberg, awarding her over 70,000 euros in compensation after Lazio Women ended contract negotiations upon learning of her pregnancy. The court found that Lazio was aware of Göthberg’s pregnancy through WhatsApp messages and ordered the club to pay for salary compensation and infringement of her personality rights, including interest. This decision overturns a previous FIFA tribunal ruling and sets a precedent that clubs cannot terminate employment discussions based on pregnancy. Göthberg, who played for Lazio in the 2023-24 season, had been negotiating a new contract when the relationship with the club deteriorated. The ruling emphasizes the protection of players when essential contract terms are agreed upon and highlights the confidentiality of pregnancy-related medical information.
QUESTION: How might this ruling influence the way sports organizations handle contracts with female athletes in the future?
Landmark legal win compensates pregnant soccer player who lost contract
