Whilst the bulk of the stars of the footballing world descended upon the World Cup in Qatar last week, Manleys Solicitors appeared before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, on behalf of an internationally capped footballer in the final hearing of a complex appeal matter.
Following an initial win at the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber and throughout the 6-month appeal process, Manleys have been instructed by a highly successful footballer who has had a career spanning many of the continent’s top leagues. His agent is an eminent figure across European football. For legal reasons, neither can be named until the Appeal process is completed.
Manleys instructed highly acclaimed Sports barrister Steven Flynn of Kings Chambers in the appeal following his previous success for the player before the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber. In the FIFA DRC’s award, which was appealed by the club, the player was awarded in excess of £100,000.00 having concluded that the player did have ‘just cause’ to prematurely terminate his contract for the matters complained of. His former club, a vastly decorated team in eastern Europe argued that the player did not have just cause. The allegations in the proceedings where quite remarkable – whilst the bulk of the complaints against the club related to unpaid salaries and agent fees, there were other serious allegations of dishonourable conduct on the part of the club and its officers which again, the Player contributed to just cause to terminate his contract without giving notice.
Mark Manley, Managing Director at Manleys said: “This is an important case and is likely to set precedent regarding CAS “just cause” provisions. Additionally, we have seen some significant differences in procedures operated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport compared to those which would operate in UK courts. Whilst this has been predominately strictly a legal fight, there has been a human element too. Our client, who gave oral evidence at the recent hearing, commanded the courtroom as he emotionally recounted his allegations of prejudicial treatment that both he and several other teammates suffered. This case has been ongoing for some time now, and our client is keen to see it finalised. That said, happily, it appears that the legal dispute off the pitch is not impacting his skills on it as he remains the top scorer in his current league. We eagerly await the Arbitrator’s decision.
Sports law specialists, Manleys, is instructed by Premier League footballers and clubs, managers, World champion boxers, sports associations and athletes involved in Olympic selection disputes. The firm continues to represent a high-profile client in an ongoing Formula 1 dispute. Manleys is available to assist any individuals or organisations in any sphere of sport who encounter any legal difficulties.
For more information, contact Manleys – info@manleys.law or 01244230000
