The case involves a dispute between MKE Ankaragücü Spor Kulübü, a Turkish football club, and Charles Edouard Coridon, a French professional football player, concerning the termination of an employment contract and unpaid salaries. The player joined the club in August 2005 under a one-season contract that included a sign-on fee, monthly salaries, and per-game payments. Despite his satisfactory performance, the club consistently failed to make timely payments, citing liquidity issues common among Turkish clubs due to delayed broadcasting revenue. By the end of 2005, the club owed the player €68,339, having paid only €105,000 of the agreed €175,339. The player repeatedly complained about the delays but received partial payments in January and February 2006.
In March 2006, the player left the club, alleging prior agreement, which the club denied. The club filed a complaint with FIFA, accusing the player of unilateral contract termination and seeking €300,000 in compensation and a four-month suspension. The player counterclaimed €60,529 in unpaid wages plus interest. FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) ruled in favor of the player, dismissing the club's claim and ordering it to pay €45,529 with 5% annual interest, citing the club's breach of contract due to late payments. The club appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing it had fulfilled its obligations and contested the DRC's dismissal of fines imposed on the player for missed trainings.
The CAS upheld the DRC's decision, emphasizing the club's failure to meet payment obligations justified the player's termination under FIFA regulations and Swiss law. The tribunal clarified that late payments, especially those extending for months, constituted just cause for termination, as continuing the employment relationship would be unreasonable under principles of good faith. The club's internal fines, deemed disproportionate and improperly notified, were either reduced or dismissed. The CAS also rejected the club's claim for compensation, finding no evidence of mutual agreement for early termination but affirming the player's right to unpaid salaries.
The final ruling ordered the club to pay the player €45,529 plus interest, dismissing all other claims. The case highlights the importance of contractual adherence, timely payments, and proportionality in disciplinary measures, underscoring the legal standards governing employment disputes in professional football. The decision reinforces the principle that persistent non-payment by a club constitutes a material breach, entitling the player to terminate the contract without consequences. The matter was conclusively resolved, with no further claims permitted.