The case involves a dispute between Blackpool F.C. and Club Topp Oss over training compensation for the player Zarko Grabovac under FIFA regulations, adjudicated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The central issue was whether Grabovac was an amateur or professional during his time with Topp Oss and later with Blackpool, as this status determined the obligation to pay training compensation. The CAS panel, comprising John A. Faylor, Mark Hovell, and Manfred Nan, ruled that a player's amateur or professional status depends on factors such as contractual agreements, financial benefits, and the nature of their relationship with the club. If a player receives wages, bonuses, or benefits beyond cost reimbursements, they are considered non-amateur, even if the compensation is minimal. Conversely, amateur status is inferred from the absence of a written contract, recognition by the national association, and the player's freedom to pursue other occupations.
Grabovac played as an amateur for Topp Oss in the Netherlands before signing a professional contract with Blackpool in 2005. Topp Oss claimed training compensation, arguing it had contributed to his development, while Blackpool contested the claim, alleging Grabovac misrepresented his amateur status. The FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber ruled in favor of Topp Oss, stating that Blackpool, as the new club, was responsible for calculating and paying training compensation regardless of any misinformation. The CAS panel upheld this decision, confirming that training compensation is due when a player signs their first professional contract before turning 23. The calculation was based on FIFA Circular Letter No. 826, which outlines compensation amounts according to the player's age, division, and club category. The panel rejected Blackpool's argument that it was misled, emphasizing the club's duty to verify the player's status and career history.
The panel further examined whether Grabovac was a non-amateur before joining Blackpool, particularly during his time with Geldrop/AEK. While Blackpool claimed he received similar benefits there, the panel found no written contract or structured payments, upholding his amateur status with Geldrop/AEK. The panel concluded that Topp Oss was entitled to compensation for two full training seasons (2000/2001 and 2002/2003), calculated at €45,000 per season (averaging FIFA categories 2 and 3), totaling €90,000. Blackpool's arguments—including financial hardship, the player's short contract duration, and alleged misinformation—were dismissed as irrelevant to Topp Oss's training costs. The panel also rejected claims about freedom of movement, noting such arguments could only be raised by the player, not the club.
The CAS partially upheld Blackpool's appeal, adjusting the compensation to €90,000 but affirming the obligation to pay. The ruling mandated payment within 30 days of the player's signing with Blackpool (14 February 2005), with a 5% annual interest penalty for late payment, in line with Swiss law and FIFA regulations. All other claims and counterclaims were dismissed. The case underscores the importance of clubs adhering to FIFA regulations, verifying player histories, and fulfilling training compensation obligations, even in cases of disputed information. The decision reinforces the principle that training clubs retain compensation rights regardless of subsequent contractual failures by other clubs.