Lazio ordered to pay compensation for unlawfully ending player's

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled that Lazio Women unlawfully terminated the employment of Swedish midfielder Maja Gothberg due to her pregnancy, ordering the Italian club to pay compensation and moral damages. The decision, which global players' union FifPro described as "groundbreaking," also found that Lazio disclosed information about Gothberg's pregnancy to several teammates without her consent.

Case Background

The dispute began at the end of the 2023-24 season, during which Gothberg made 29 appearances and helped Lazio secure promotion to the Italian top division. She claimed the club had entered negotiations over a new contract, and although it was not formally signed, WhatsApp messages showed key terms had been agreed. Before formalizing the contract, Gothberg learned she was pregnant and informed the club, though she was not legally obliged to do so. Lazio did not fulfill the agreement in principle and later claimed Gothberg no longer wished to continue playing at the club as the relationship broke down.

Legal Framework and Ruling

According to FIFA regulations, clubs must prove that pregnancy is not the reason for contract termination, and pregnancy information is deemed confidential medical data. Gothberg's case was initially rejected by FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) before being taken to CAS. The CAS ruling in her favor underscores the protections afforded by FIFA's Maternity Regulations.

"This case was never only about football, it was about being treated fairly and with respect at an important moment in my life," said Gothberg. "The ruling sends a message that pregnancy should never be treated as a problem or a reason to deny a player labour opportunities."

Implications for Player Rights

Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud, legal director for FifPro, stated: "This case shows that Fifa's Maternity Regulations are not just words on paper and that they provide real protections for players. The significance of this ruling goes beyond Maja Gothberg and confirms clubs cannot simply walk away from an employment relationship, even if this is not fully formalised, once they learn a player is pregnant."

Gothberg received support and representation from FifPro and the Swedish players' union Spelarforeningen throughout the case. The ruling follows a similar precedent set in 2023, when former Iceland captain Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir won a claim against Lyon for failing to pay her full salary during pregnancy. In that case, a FIFA tribunal ordered Lyon to pay unpaid salaries of more than €82,000 (£72,000), and FifPro called it a "landmark" case at the time. Lyon were warned that if they did not pay within 45 days, they would face a transfer ban.

Maternity Rights in Football

In 2024, FIFA made changes to further protect female footballers and coaches during and after pregnancy, as well as in non-biological motherhood such as adoption. The improved framework includes a minimum of 14 weeks paid maternity leave for coaches, which was previously only in place for players. Players and coaches are entitled to 100% of their weekly wage, as well as any other remuneration and benefits, before dropping to the statutory rate after 14 weeks. However, clubs can choose to pay full wages for a longer term if they wish.

Former England striker Toni Duggan became the first Women's Super League player to receive maternity pay while at Everton in 2022. Additionally, clubs can sign players outside of a transfer window if a squad member has taken maternity, adoption, or family leave. If choosing to adopt, players and coaches can be granted a period of leave that ranges depending on the child's age, while family leave is available for parents who are not the biological mother.

BBC Sport has contacted Lazio Women for a comment.