The case involves a dispute between FK DAC 1904 A.S., a Slovak football club, and Dritan Stafsulaj, a Finnish professional football player, concerning the termination of an employment contract. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was tasked with resolving the matter, with Lars Hilliger serving as the sole arbitrator. The central issues revolved around the validity of the employment contract under Swiss law and FIFA regulations, as well as whether the club had just cause to terminate the agreement. The player claimed he signed a contract with the club on 15 January 2009, which included a monthly salary and additional benefits. However, the club denied receiving the signed contract. Despite this, the player participated in the club’s training camp and played matches for the A-team before being demoted to the B-team. The club later imposed financial penalties on the player for missing training sessions and a friendly match, citing poor performance and unprofessional behavior. On 14 April 2009, the club terminated the contract, alleging the player’s failure to meet expectations. The player received only one salary payment in February 2009.
The player filed a claim with FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber, seeking unpaid salaries, compensation for breach of contract, and reimbursement for flight tickets. FIFA ruled in favor of the player, ordering the club to pay €38,732. The club appealed to CAS, arguing the contract was invalid under Slovak regulations and that the termination was justified. The CAS upheld the contract’s validity under Swiss law and FIFA regulations, stating that non-compliance with national registration requirements did not invalidate the agreement. The arbitrator found the club’s termination lacked just cause, as missing two training sessions and a friendly match did not constitute a serious breach. The decision reinforced that contracts meeting FIFA’s economic standards remain binding, even if they deviate from national rules. The club’s failure to pay salaries and abrupt termination without proper justification further weakened its case.
The CAS dismissed the club’s appeal, affirming FIFA’s ruling and emphasizing the importance of contractual obligations in professional football. The case highlights the precedence of FIFA regulations over national directives in international disputes and the necessity of just cause for contract termination. The arbitrator’s decision ensured the player received compensation for the club’s unjustified breach of contract. The proceedings included a hearing where both parties confirmed their rights were respected and raised no objections to the panel’s composition. The case underscores the CAS’s role in resolving sports disputes through a thorough review of facts and applicable laws, ultimately upholding the principles of fairness and contractual integrity in professional football.